dfcu Bank has expanded its small and medium enterprise (SME) financing portfolio with the introduction of the Unsecured Maali Business Loan, a new working capital facility designed to improve access to credit for established businesses.
The product offers eligible enterprises financing ranging from Shs 10 million to Shs 200 million, targeting firms seeking to increase inventory, manage cash flow and take advantage of growth opportunities. The facility is aimed at businesses that have moved beyond the start-up phase and built a track record but still require timely access to capital.
According to dfcu, the loan is available to formally registered businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability companies with active transactional accounts at the bank. First-time borrowers may access up to Shs 50 million, while repeat customers can qualify for up to Shs 200 million, subject to assessment.
The facility is repayable over a period of three to 12 months, with repayment schedules structured to align with business cash flow cycles. This flexibility, the bank says, is intended to match the realities of SME operations where financing needs are often seasonal or tied to specific business opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, dfcu’s chief retail banking officer, Annette Kiconco, said the new product is a response to the financing gaps faced by many established businesses.
“Across Uganda, we continue to see businesses with strong customer relationships and growing demand for their products and services. What many of them need is timely working capital to increase stock, fulfil orders and manage cash flow,” Kiconco said.
She noted that access to appropriately structured financing can determine whether a business is able to respond quickly to demand or miss growth opportunities, particularly in sectors where inventory and supply cycles are critical.
To qualify for the loan, businesses must have operated continuously for at least three years, hold a valid trading licence and demonstrate consistent cash flows. Applicants are also required to show at least 24 months of banking history, including a minimum of six months with dfcu, and a monthly turnover of at least Shs 3 million over the preceding six months.
The loan can be used to support a range of working capital needs, including purchasing stock, financing day-to-day operations and funding expansion plans. Businesses seeking amounts above Shs 200 million may be considered for other financing options within the bank’s broader SME portfolio.
dfcu’s head of enterprise banking, William Kayongo, said the facility complements the bank’s wider efforts to support businesses at different stages of growth.
“Many SMEs have reached a point where their next phase of growth depends on access to the right level of working capital at the right time,” Kayongo said. “This facility provides an additional financing option while ensuring that borrowing remains aligned to cash flow and repayment capacity.”
He added that the product is designed to support business growth rather than debt refinancing, in line with the bank’s focus on responsible lending.
The lender said the application process has been simplified, with customers able to apply via SMS, phone, email, or by visiting any dfcu branch.
