Bank of Uganda Unveils Women Entrepreneurs (WE) Finance Code to Boost Gender-Inclusive Finance

Kampala, Uganda. The Bank of Uganda (BoU) has introduced the Women Entrepreneurs (WE) Finance Code, a comprehensive policy framework set to strengthen access to financial services for women entrepreneurs and enhance gender-inclusive financing in the country’s banking sector.

The WE Finance Code will be supported by a National Gender/Financial Inclusion Dashboard designed to centralize and streamline data on financial access and usage, enabling evidence-based policy decisions and tailored products for the underserved female market. At launch, BoU representatives acknowledged persistent barriers — including cultural norms, limited collateral, and gaps in financial literacy — that continue to restrict growth for many women-led businesses.

Officials say the initiative complements broader national efforts toward financial inclusion, which now reaches an estimated 81% of adults, with the gender gap narrowed to just two percentage points. The WE Finance Code aims to close remaining disparities by guiding financial institutions toward gender-sensitive lending practices and product design.

Why It Matters:
Women entrepreneurs are a vital engine of Uganda’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and household resilience. By institutionalizing gender-inclusive financial practices, BoU’s initiative could help unlock greater economic participation among women, accelerating business growth and broader economic equity.

What to Watch:

New gender-focused loan products and uptake rates.

Partnerships between banks and women-focused business support organizations.

Public reporting from the National Gender/Financial Inclusion Dashboard.