Equity offers new loan opportunities for Ugandans in the Diaspora

Equity Bank urges diaspora to invest remittances, build wealth

Kampala, Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | For years, money sent back home by Ugandans living abroad has helped families pay school fees, medical bills, build homes and meet everyday needs.

But Equity Bank is urging the diaspora to go a step further by turning part of their remittances into productive assets, businesses and investments that can generate income.

The call was made during an X Space hosted by the bank on September 30, 2026, under the theme “From Remitting to Investing: Loan Opportunities for Ugandans in the Diaspora.”

Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments at Equity bank, said the financial aspirations of Ugandans abroad are changing, with more people looking beyond supporting families to build wealth.

“For several years, the focus has largely been on sending money home for immediate needs such as school fees, hospital bills and education expenses. But we are beginning to see more diaspora customers who want to build, invest and own assets in Uganda,” Warui said.

She said Ugandans living and working abroad could consider investing in property, agribusiness, government securities and other interest-bearing investments, depending on their financial goals.

Bob Paul Lusembo, Segment Head of Micro Business at Equity, said the challenge is finding a balance between supporting families and building productive assets.

“Much of the money sent home is used for consumption and immediate needs. We want to help customers consider how some of their earnings can be used to build wealth and create productive assets,” Lusembo said.

He said family obligations can make it difficult for diaspora earners to consistently save for investment, but they should consider allocating part of their income towards assets that can generate future income.

Among the opportunities he highlighted are clothing, food processing and distribution, retail, transport and logistics, equipment hire, hospitality and specialized services. Agriculture also presents opportunities beyond farming, including production, storage, processing, packaging and distribution.

“The right entry point depends on what you can afford and where there is demand,” Lusembo said. “Property remains another option, with investors able to consider land, rental units, shops, offices and warehouses, depending on their resources and market demand,” he added.

However, Lusembo cautioned Ugandans seeking to invest back home to undertake rigorous due diligence, particularly when purchasing land remotely. He also pointed to opportunities for financing productive assets for existing businesses rather than starting new ventures from scratch. These could include vehicles or motorcycles used for transport and other income-generating activities.

Warui said financial literacy is critical in helping diaspora customers move from consumption to investment. “It starts with information and financial literacy,” she said.

Equity bank offers relationship management, wealth and investment services that can guide customers living abroad to invest according to their financial goals, Warui said.

The bank’s representatives said the ultimate goal is to encourage a shift in mindset from immediate consumption towards sustainable wealth creation.

“The mindset we are encouraging is a shift from consumption to investment, from investment to wealth creation, and from short-term gains to strategic assets and a lasting legacy,” Lusembo said. For Ugandans who have spent years abroad, that legacy could mean returning home to an established business, income-generating property or other assets that can benefit their families for generations.

Warui said opportunities could also extend beyond Uganda to investments across the wider East African region, depending on individual circumstances and objectives