By Samuel Ssenono
dfcu Limited grew profit after tax to UGX 81.5 billion in 2025, up from UGX 75.1 billion, as the bank expanded income and deposits despite tighter liquidity and high funding costs across the economy.
Total income rose 16 percent to UGX 526 billion, driven largely by a 20 percent jump in non-funded income to UGX 108 billion, pointing to stronger fee-based business alongside core lending.
Deposits climbed to UGX 2.7 trillion, while the loan book grew to UGX 1.3 trillion, with the bank maintaining a measured risk approach in a cautious credit environment.
Growth in a cautious economy
The performance comes at a time when businesses are holding back on expansion, with uneven liquidity and elevated borrowing costs weighing on activity.
dfcu’s numbers suggest it is leaning more on diversified income streams and tighter cost discipline to grow in a slower market.
Strategy shift starts to pay off
The bank says its turnaround is now moving into a new phase, after stabilising operations and restructuring its business.
It is now focusing on sector-led lending, digital channels, customer experience and productivity, with investments in technology and automation beginning to reflect in performance.
Digital usage is picking up. The bank’s USSD platform now reaches about 68 percent of customers, while mobile lending products are seeing more frequent use.
Balance sheet expands
Total assets grew 8 percent to UGX 3.7 trillion, signalling steady expansion even as the broader environment tightens.
At group level, profit came in at UGX 74.9 billion, with earnings per share rising to UGX 100.2.
Dividend up
The Board has proposed a dividend of UGX 21.8 per share, up from UGX 20.1, signalling confidence in earnings while still preserving capital for growth.
Betting on core sectors
dfcu is doubling down on agriculture, trade, manufacturing, infrastructure and SMEs — sectors it sees as central to job creation and economic activity.
The bank is also pushing financial inclusion as a growth lever.
It says 74,000 women entrepreneurs have been reached under its Women in Business programme, with UGX 95 billion disbursed. Meanwhile, SACCOs and investment clubs have mobilised UGX 105 billion in savings across more than 600,000 members.
