George Musisi, the new Kira Municipality MP (4th left), David Bahati, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (5th left), Kate Kiiza (Centre) and dfcu executives pose for a group photoThe Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, David Bahati has applauded dfcu Bank for opening its 55th branch in Namanve Industrial Park, describing it as a practical tool for unlocking productivity, improving cash flow, and accelerating growth for manufacturers.Speaking as guest of chief guest at the official opening of the new dfcu branch in Namanve on 23rd February 2026, Bahati, a long-standing dfcu customer, underscored the significance of situating financial services within industrial zones. He congratulated dfcu for aligning with government priorities and highlighted that Uganda currently has 12 operational industrial parks, with plans to expand to 22 nationwide.The industrial sector now contributes 16.5% to Uganda’s GDP, with manufacturing alone generating approximately Shs 8 trillion and employing over 1.4 million Ugandans. The Namanve Industrial Park itself hosts more than 400 factories and employs around 4,000 people.While commending dfcu for its improved service and competitive rates, he also encouraged the banking sector to continue working toward more affordable lending to further catalyse industrial expansion. He urged dfcu to replicate the Namanve model in other industrial parks as government expands the country’s manufacturing footprint.“We appeal to commercial banks to consider reducing the interest rates and increase the savings rates. I was very glad to hear that your fixed deposit rate now has come up to 15%. I don’t know how you’ll make money, but 15% is a good rate for fixed deposit,” the Minister said. MargaretDavid Bahati, the Chief Guest and Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives cuts the ribbon as dfcu Bank opens the Namanve Industrial Park branchKarume, Chief Credit Officer at dfcu Bank, stated that the branch aims to serve customers within the industrial park and surrounding regions, bringing financial services closer to where businesses operate.“We have a cash depositor machine that allows cash deposits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year round. This initiative supports both corporate and personal customers, and we are fully committed to transforming lives and businesses in Uganda,” she said.Also present was George Musisi, newly declared Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality following the 2026 general elections, and another long-standing dfcu customer. He welcomed the development, applauding dfcu for bringing services closer to the community and supporting the industrial sector in a tangible way.Musisi emphasized that while due diligence remains essential, banks should strive to balance compliance with efficiency.“Quick access to finance is crucial to prevent reliance on money lenders due to extensive paperwork in banks,” he noted, calling for streamlined processes that protect both the bank and its customers.dfcu Bank executives pose for a groiup photo with Chief Guest Hon. David Bahati during the launch of dfcu Namanve branch.For business leaders like Faridah Ally, Manager at LaganDott Namanve Ltd, the new branch represents both convenience and continuity. LaganDott has served as the official road construction and infrastructure company in the park since 2021. Having opened her first dfcu account five years ago, she described the bank as a steady partner in her company’s growth journey.Waida Fred Moses, Vice Chairperson for Namanve Industrial Park, pledged full support to the bank.“As leaders, we pledge our full support to dfcu. As local leaders, we must cooperate with institutions that come to serve our community. We have worked with many organisations in this area, and I commit myself and our leadership to supporting dfcu.”dfcu Bank continues to partner with government and industry to advance Uganda’s development agenda under the “Tenfold Growth Strategy,” which aims to expand the economy to $500 billion by 2040. Implemented through the Fourth National Development Plan, the strategy focuses on accelerating agro-industrialization, mineral value addition, oil and gas commercialization, and transitioning subsistence households into the money economy through the Parish Development Model.Uganda remains among the world’s fastest-growing economies, buoyed by resilient macroeconomic performance and rising private sector credit activity, with projections placing the country among top performers by 2031.dfcu committed to offering affordable capitalMathias Jumba, Head Integrated Channels at dfcu Bank in an interview at the sidelines of the event acknowledged the need for increased access to affordable capital, saying it explains why dfcu has partnered with Government in several initiatives like the World Bank-funded Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, where women in business access financing at as low as 10% interest per annum, and also under the Agriculture Credit Facility managed by Bank of Uganda where farmers are accessing credit at as low as 12% interest per annum.“We continue to participate in those arrangements where we can advance credit at more affordable rates and we continue to give customers financial literacy knowledge. Sometimes you may take expensive money, but because you have knowledge on how to use it, you can actually manage interest payment by either paying early or trying to make sure that you apply these finances where you can get reasonable margins,” Jumba sThe post dfcu Opens 55th Branch in Namanve Industrial Park In Move To Power Uganda’s Manufacturing Sector appeared first on Business Focus.