Saleh Naminya (pictured above), the Managing Director of Casa Uganda Safaris & Lodges, has wowed budding entrepreneurs through an inspiring talk at ‘TUPANGE’ Business forum organized by Equity Bank in Mbale.
Naminya shared his journey from being a retired teacher to a successful tourism entrepreneur.
During his presentation, Naminya highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors—tourism, agriculture, media, and furniture—illustrating how businesses in Mbale can thrive by supporting each other.
He also emphasized that creating a robust business ecosystem requires collaboration, where businesses like his lodges rely on services such as mobile money, quality furniture, social media marketing, and agricultural produce to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
For instance, he described the need for reliable transport from partners to serve tourists arriving late or requiring specific travel arrangements, showcasing the necessity of a strong value chain.
He stressed that value chain financing is critical for reducing business risks, building trust, and unlocking market access.
He shared examples of how timely financing enables businesses to meet demands, such as supplying coffee or fertilizer, without creating mistrust or financial strain.
Naminya advocated for financial institutions like Equity Bank that offers tailored products, strong customer relationships, and digital solutions to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He also highlighted the importance of international market access, such as attending global trade markets, which requires financial support for travel and accommodation. Equity Bank Uganda supports customers with international goals in getting opportunities around the region through Trade and Investment Tours
His talk underscored the need for patience in financing, strong partnerships with suppliers and insurers, and a shift from collateral-based to relationship-based lending.
Naminya‘s engaging storytelling, rooted in his own entrepreneurial journey, inspired the audience, particularly aspiring entrepreneurs, to recognize their potential, start small, and grow through collaboration and perseverance.
His story of self-motivation, determination, and success left a profound impact on the audience, emphasizing the importance of value chain financing and ecosystem collaboration for business growth.
Speaking at the same event, Claver Serumaga – Executive Director, Commercial Banking at Equity Bank Uganda, said Equity bank is focusing on transforming customer businesses while ensuring mutual growth between the bank and its clients.
He highlighted SMEs as the engine of economic growth and development, essential for global and local prosperity and emphasised the need to view SMEs within integrated value chains and ecosystems for sustainable progress.
Serumaga further stressed the importance of supporting the entire ecosystem (suppliers, employees, distributors) rather than individual businesses.
Equity Bank’s strong support for SMEs
Olivia Mugaba, Head of SMEs at Equity Bank Uganda, emphasized the pivotal role of SMEs in the economy, noting that they account for roughly 40% of national income in emerging markets and 50% in developed economies, providing 7 out of every 10 new jobs globally.
She stressed that Equity Bank’s approach goes beyond individual financing to support the entire value chain, including advisory and transactional services, to enhance competitiveness.
Olivia shared that the bank provides over 10,000 SME and microloans monthly, totaling about UGX 70–100 billion, reflecting their deliberate commitment to addressing financing gaps that often hinder SME growth.
She encouraged SMEs to engage with the bank’s team, utilize available resources, and take advantage of market insights and opportunities provided.
