UDB turns public capital into jobs and factories

What the report says

Uganda Development Bank (UDB) reported a larger role in financing businesses that add value through production, processing and manufacturing, according to The Independent Uganda. The lender said it approved Shs518.4 billion in new financing for 120 projects across the country and disbursed Shs502.2 billion in 2025, with the figures presented at its annual general meeting on 13 August in Kampala at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The article said UDB’s 2025 disbursements were up 29% from the previous year, while total assets rose 27% to Shs2.26 trillion. Net loans and advances increased to Shs1.63 trillion and post-tax profit reached Shs63.4 billion, up 9.7%. UDB Managing Director Patricia Ojangole said the bank aims to provide long-term capital for projects that commercial lenders may not fully support, especially where returns take time.

The newspaper said almost two-thirds of UDB lending went to agriculture, agro-industrialisation and manufacturing. It added that supported businesses created or sustained 69,202 jobs, produced goods worth Shs6.26 trillion, and paid Shs387 billion in taxes. Foreign exchange earnings from those firms rose to Shs1.84 trillion. The coverage argues that this shows how public capital can support jobs, exports and industrial growth, particularly beyond Uganda’s main commercial centres.

The report also notes that UDB’s active customer base increased to 689 enterprises across 105 districts. In broader context, development banks commonly focus on patient capital for sectors that need large upfront investment, such as factories, processing plants and farm value chains.