Opportunity Bank Uganda Ltd has opened a new branch, their 25th branch overall, in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement. For the first time, thousands of refugees here will have access to banking services close to home.
More than 110,000 refugees live in Rwamwanja (as of June 2025), having fled conflict and hardship. For these refugees, a local bank branch means they can save safely, borrow to start a small business, and take steps to rebuild their lives.
The branch was officially opened by Mary Oakes, CEO of Opportunity International UK, together with Owen Amanya, CEO of Opportunity Bank Uganda Ltd, and Jacqueline Kobusingye Opondo, the Bank’s Chair of the Board.
"We are incredibly proud to support this new branch. Our partnership with Opportunity Bank Uganda shows how local financial services can help refugees ad host communities build secure, dignified and prosperous futures." – Mary Oakes, CEO of Opportunity International UK.
Inside the Rwamwanja bank branch, ready to meet with clients.
Across Uganda, 19,000 refugees already bank with Opportunity, taking out more than £844,000 in loans that have helped them to plant crops, start businesses, and support their families. The new bank branch builds on the success of Nakivale Refugee Settlement, where Opportunity opened the first commercial bank inside a refugee settlement.
Most families in Rwamwanja farm for a living. The branch will provide loans for seeds and equipment, help women and young people grow enterprises, and run training sessions to build financial skills.
“Rwamwanja represents more than a branch – it is a place where dignity meets determination, and where resilience is met with opportunity.” - Jacqueline Kobusingye Opondo, Chair of the Board at Opportunity Bank Uganda Ltd.
The new branch follows the launch of Seeds of Self-Reliance, Opportunity International’s programme helping refugees in Uganda to build more independent lives. With banking now in Rwamwanja, thousands of families can start to grow businesses, support their families, and plan for the future.
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