Equity Bank’s East and Central Africa regional network key to success of Mbale’s UKI Uganda

What the report says

Mbale-based UKI Uganda Limited is using Equity Bank’s regional network to ease cross-border payments as it expands its manufacturing, import and export business across East and Central Africa, especially into the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to The Independent Uganda, the company has faced delays in settling payments across borders, a problem that has become more significant as trade links grow alongside its distribution needs.

The bank’s connected presence in Uganda, Kenya and the DRC is helping UKI reduce its dependence on third-party payment agents and multiple financial institutions. The article says this approach is intended to shorten settlement times, lower transaction costs and improve liquidity, which can help the company restock faster and serve customers more efficiently. Equity Bank Uganda’s management also framed the regional footprint as an advantage for businesses operating across African markets.

UKI’s managing director, Anant Kumar Manjithia, said the company wants a simpler way for buyers in the DRC to pay directly into its account rather than using local agents. Equity Bank Uganda’s SME leadership said exporters can also use non-resident collection accounts, subject to export licensing and regulatory requirements, to receive local sales proceeds and move funds home. The partnership is presented as part of a broader shift in intra-African trade, where efficient financial infrastructure is becoming as important as physical logistics.