Access to Finance for Refugees & Host Communities

Hunger Fighters Uganda (HFU), with support from its partners, successfully implemented the Access to Finance for Refugees and Host Communities Project from December 2024 to August 2026 in Nakivale and Kyaka II Refugee Settlements. The project aimed to strengthen financial inclusion, improve digital capabilities, and enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of refugees and host communities, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and greater economic resilience.

Through a comprehensive capacity-building approach, the project reached 13,194 beneficiaries with practical skills and knowledge that improve access to financial services and business opportunities.

What We Delivered

Following a detailed needs assessment and review of existing evidence, HFU developed and delivered tailored training programmes covering:

• Financial Literacy – equipping participants with practical skills in budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, household financial planning, and investment.
• Digital Literacy – enhancing participants’ ability to use digital tools and financial technologies, including mobile money and digital financial services.
• Business Development Services (BDS) – strengthening entrepreneurship through business planning, enterprise management, marketing, customer care, and business growth strategies.

These integrated interventions empowered participants to make informed financial decisions, improve enterprise performance, and increase their participation in local markets.

Project Reach

The project successfully reached:

• 13,194 total beneficiaries
• 8,750 women empowered through financial and business skills training
• 9,212 refugees supported across Nakivale and Kyaka II settlements
• 3,981 host community members trained alongside refugees to promote social cohesion and inclusive economic development

Impact

The project contributed to:

• Increased financial knowledge and confidence among refugees and host communities.
• Improved access to digital financial services and technologies.
• Enhanced entrepreneurship and small business management skills.
• Stronger household resilience through improved savings and financial planning.
• Greater economic inclusion of women and vulnerable populations.
• Improved collaboration and shared economic opportunities between refugees and host communities.

Building Self-Reliance Through Financial Inclusion

Access to finance is a critical pathway to self-reliance. By strengthening financial capability, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting entrepreneurship, HFU continues to empower refugees and host communities to build resilient livelihoods, reduce reliance on humanitarian assistance, and meaningfully contribute to local economic development.

Join Us

HFU remains committed to advancing inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind. We welcome partnerships with governments, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to expand access to finance and create sustainable economic opportunities for displaced populations and their host communities.