Dfcu bank opens new branch in Fort Portal city

Dfcu Bank has opened its 56th branch in Fort Portal Tourism City along Babiiha road, extending banking services to the people of the Tooro sub-region and strengthening its footprint across Western Uganda.

Speaking at the launch, Mathias Jumba, dfcu’s head of integrated channels, said Fort Portal is both a tourism hub and an agricultural powerhouse, producing matooke, potatoes, tea, and other crops in abundance.

Jumba said dfcu’s aim is to tap into that potential and transform the lives of farmers through our various financial services. The new branch will provide a wide range of products, including low-interest loans, savings accounts, and agent banking services, targeting farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), youth, Saccos, and traders not only in Fort Portal but also in surrounding districts such as Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kasese, Bunyangabo, and Kyegegwa.

Jumba highlighted dfcu’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment through initiatives such as Women in Business and GROW funds, which provide training, mentorship, and affordable financing.

“This region has many women eager to start or grow businesses. Dfcu is one of the few financial institutions offering GROW funds, which give women access to finance at just 10 per cent per annum,” he explained.

While the bank continues to expand its digital platforms, Charles Mudiwa, dfcu bank CEO, stressed the importance of a physical presence.

“We believe dfcu’s strength lies in supporting people face-to-face. Having a branch here provides that anchor, customers can see and believe in us, meet our team, and engage directly,” Mudiwa said.

He added that even as digital channels grow, maintaining physical branches remains key to ensuring customers have a “point of reference” for personal banking relationships. Fort Portal’s outgoing LC V chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga hailed the branch opening as a milestone for the city’s economic transformation.

“This branch positions Fort Portal not only as a tourism city but also as a rising economic giant in Western Uganda,” Rwabuhinga remarked.