Opportunity Bank Uganda, in Partnership with Opportunity International UK, Opens 25th Branch in Rwamwanja to Scale Refugee Financing
Rwamwanja, Kamwenge District, Western Uganda – Opportunity Bank Uganda Limited, in partnership with Opportunity International UK, has today opened its 25th branch in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, reinforcing its commitment to expanding financial inclusion for both refugee and host communities in Kamwenge District. The new branch was officially launched by Mrs. Mary Oakes, CEO of Opportunity International UK, alongside Mr. Owen Amanya, CEO of Opportunity Bank Uganda, and Ms. Jacqueline Kobusingye Opondo, Chairperson of the Bank’s Board of Directors.
With Rwamwanja Settlement now home to over 110,000 refugees as of June 2025, this strategic expansion underscores the Bank’s dedication to scaling refugee
financing—delivering relevant, dignified, and empowering financial services that promote resilience and long-term economic independence.
Opportunity Bank Uganda currently serves over 19,000 refugees across Uganda, having disbursed more than UGX 4 billion in refugee-focused loans. The new branch builds on the Bank’s pioneering work in Nakivale, where it became the first commercial bank to open a branch inside a refugee settlement. The Rwamwanja branch affirms the Bank’s role as a purpose-driven institution bridging the gap between humanitarian response and sustainable development.
“The opening of our Rwamwanja branch is more than a business milestone—it’s a reaffirmationof our commitment to walk alongside this community as they rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose,” said Mr. Owen Amanya, CEO of Opportunity Bank Uganda. “Our experience in Nakivale has shown us that when refugees are equipped with the right financial tools, they become powerful contributors to economic growth. We’re proud to extend that opportunity here in Rwamwanja.”
The primary economic activity in the Rwamwanja settlement is agriculture. The new branch will provide specialized access to credit for agricultural inputs and small-scale agribusinesses, while also supporting women-led groups, youth enterprises, and financial literacy for both refugees and the host community.
“Opportunity International UK is incredibly proud to support this vital initiative,” said Mrs. Mary Oakes, CEO of Opportunity International UK. “Our partnership with Opportunity Bank Uganda continues to demonstrate how community-rooted financial solutions can drive long-term change. Together, we are enabling both refugees and host communities to build secure, dignified, and prosperous futures.”
“As Chairperson of the Board, I am proud to witness Opportunity Bank living out its mission withpurpose,” said Ms. Jacqueline Kobusingye Opondo, Board Chairperson of Opportunity Bank Uganda. “Rwamwanja represents more than a branch—it is a place where dignity meets determination, and where resilience is met with opportunity. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for walking this journey with us.
”The Rwamwanja branch will offer a full suite of services, including credit facilities, mobile and digital banking, financial literacy training, and community-focused support programs. These services will empower both refugees and host community members to start and grow businesses, invest in education, and build sustainable livelihoods. Opportunity Bank Uganda extends its sincere appreciation to its valued partners—the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), which generously provided land and infrastructure for the branch, UNHCR, and all other stakeholders—whose trust, collaboration, and support have made this milestone possible.