Pearl Bank loan book crosses Shs 1 trillion milestone

What the report says

Pearl Bank says its loan book has climbed past Shs 1 trillion, marking a major expansion in lending to Ugandan businesses, households and productive parts of the economy. The Observer reported that the portfolio rose from Shs 749 billion at the end of December 2025, showing sharp growth and a larger role for the lender in private-sector credit.

According to the article, agriculture and agro-industrialisation have been the main engines of the increase, making up about 35% of the total loan book. Nearly half of Pearl’s lending is now tied to sectors aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. The bank has also increased financing for micro, small and medium enterprises, trade, logistics and construction.

Pearl Bank executive director for operations Martin Mugisha said the bank has focused on scaling through tailored products and disciplined execution. The report also said partnerships with institutions such as the government, the Bank of Uganda’s Agricultural Credit Facility, Aceli Africa, aBi Finance and the French Development Agency have helped lower funding costs and share lending risk, especially in agriculture and SME finance.

Looking ahead, Pearl Bank plans to deepen lending in agriculture while expanding into tourism, construction and minerals. The article says the next phase will depend on stronger partnerships and more long-term capital to support larger investments without creating liquidity pressure.