Ugandans living and working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have welcomed Equity Bank Uganda’s decision to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering specialized financial services tailored to their needs.
As part of the bank’s “Equity Goes To UAE” initiative, a team from Equity Bank Uganda is currently interacting with Ugandans in the UAE, providing diaspora accounts, investment advice, loan assistance, and other banking solutions.
“This is a game-changer for us,” said Ronald Ssemanda, a Ugandan expatriate working in Dubai. “We’ve struggled to access reliable banking services that understand our unique needs. Equity Bank’s presence here is a huge relief.”
Ugandans in the UAE have long faced challenges in managing their finances remotely and securing investment opportunities back home. Equity Bank’s visit aims to bridge this gap, providing customer-centric banking services that cater to the diaspora community’s specific needs.
“We’re grateful for Equity Bank’s commitment to supporting Ugandans abroad,” said Jane Nalwanga, a nurse working in Abu Dhabi. “Their financial literacy education and sensitization on secure banking will help protect us from financial fraudsters who have targeted our community.”
According to the World Bank, Ugandans in the UAE remitted approximately $300 million back home in 2023, contributing significantly to Uganda’s economy. Equity Bank’s presence is expected to facilitate smoother remittances and investment opportunities.
“We appreciate Equity Bank’s willingness to serve us here,” said Hassan Ssekimpi, a businessman based in Dubai. “Their services will enable us to manage our finances efficiently, invest in Uganda, and support our families back home.”
Equity Bank’s visit coincides with Uganda’s Independence celebrations in Abu Dhabi and the launch of the Uganda Business Centre. The bank’s team will also engage with Ugandans working in various employee camps and exhibit at the Uganda-UAE Business Convention.
“We’re excited to deepen our engagement with Ugandans in the UAE and provide tailored financial solutions,” said Winfred Wanjiru, Head of International Banking at Equity Bank Uganda. “Our vision is to champion the socio-economic prosperity of Africans, regardless of their location.”
Equity Bank’s initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion and supporting Ugandans in the diaspora.
“Equity Bank has truly gone above and beyond to support us, We’re grateful for their commitment to our financial well-being.” said Ssemanda.
Equity Bank Managing Director, Anthony Kituuka, said that this visit was not your typical one. Instead, it represented the bank’s ongoing commitment to working with its clients to provide easily accessible financial services.
“The UAE is an integral location for not only Ugandan migrant workers but also Ugandan businessmen and women. As you see, our national airline, Uganda Airlines, flies to Dubai four days a week. These efforts demonstrate our willingness to serve Ugandan and international customers. It also allows us to increase our client and customer relations by providing diaspora banking services while growing the bank’s footprint in the Middle East”.
Equity Bank will also provide financial literacy education and sensitization on secure banking. Ugandans in the UAE have been the target of financial fraudsters.
The bank will also offer financial services such as opening diaspora accounts, responding to loan requests and applications, advising on investments, processing VISA card applications, and promoting savings options during the visit.
