By David Mwanje
I&M Bank Uganda gathered Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) at the opulent Kampala Serena Hotel. The breakfast meeting pulsed with promise as entrepreneurs absorbed the launch of the “Tukikube ne I&M Bank” campaign a bold move to bridge the financial literacy gap stunting SME growth. A YouTube podcast series would share stories of businesses thriving with I&M’s support, offering tools for sustainable success. The bank’s commitment to economic empowerment, a core pillar of its I&M Foundation, shone through, aiming to foster productive employment and resilient communities.
Aminah, a fruit distributor, sat wide-eyed in the crowd. Her business had nearly collapsed in its first year due to cash flow woes. The campaign’s promise of financial education and tailored solutions, like the bank’s unsecured SME loans, sparked hope. She envisioned using I&M’s digital banking platforms, such as iBank, to streamline transactions and grow her reach.
CEO Robin Bairstow electrified the room, announcing a partnership with Victoria Motors Limited for asset financing robust pickup trucks at Shs 3.2 million monthly. Entrepreneurs saw new horizons deliveries, mobile stalls, and more. “We’re offering 18% interest rates and no fees for loan transfers,” Bairstow declared, amplifying I&M’s SME-focused products like trade finance and business transaction services. Emmanuel Muyunga of Victoria Motors called the trucks “versatile workhorses business, family, life,” earning chuckles and nods.
Chief Business Officer Edward Gibson Nangono unveiled the campaign’s heartbeat market storms. “We’ll meet you where you are, co-creating solutions,” he vowed, echoing I&M’s economic empowerment ethos. Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing, added, “Empowering SMEs builds jobs and vibrant economies.”
The I&M Foundation’s initiatives supporting education, environmental conservation, and health underscored this, with 2% of annual profits funding projects like water conservation and skills training across Uganda.
Aminah, inspired, approached a bank officer during the lively Q&A hosted by comedian Patrick ‘Salvador’ Idringi. She explored I&M’s microfinance loans and iBank’s mobile app, which empowered rural entrepreneurs with seamless transactions. The officer highlighted the bank’s CSR efforts, like supporting healthcare and education, which bolstered community trust. Aminah left determined to join a market storm and tune into the Tukikube podcast.
Beyond Kampala, I&M’s products empowered thousands. Its microfinance loans uplifted women-led businesses, while digital platforms like iBank enabled real-time financial management. The Foundation’s environmental projects, like tree planting, and health initiatives, like hospital support, wove social good into economic growth.
The year-long Tukikube campaign became a movement, with SMEs securing trucks, mastering financial tools, and thriving. From market storms to podcasts, I&M Bank kindled a blaze of opportunity, stitching dreams into Uganda’s economic fabric, one empowered entrepreneur at a time.
