SME Kazi Loans

About this opportunity

UDB's SME Kazi Loans offer UGX 50–720 million in affordable credit plus business advisory services to registered SMEs in Uganda. You need 2+ years trading, 25% equity to contribute, and annual turnover under UGX 100–360 million depending on size.

Who can apply

• Registered SME (company, partnership, or cooperative)
• Annual turnover up to UGX 100 million (small enterprise) or UGX 360 million (medium enterprise)
• 2–100 employees
• Operating in Uganda for at least 2 years
• Able to provide 25% equity contribution

Not eligible

• Businesses engaged in alcohol production or sales
• Tobacco businesses
• Wildlife product trade
• Activities in protected areas

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

Registered SME (company, partnership, cooperative) with annual turnover ≤UGX 100 m (small) or ≤UGX 360 m (medium), 2‑100 employees, operating in Uganda for at least 2 years, and able to provide 25 % equity contribution. Must not be engaged in alcohol, tobacco, wildlife products or activities in protected areas.

Documents you will need

• Business registration certificate
• Last 2 years of audited financial statements or tax returns
• Proof of annual turnover (bank statements, sales records, or tax compliance certificate)
• Business plan or proposal for the loan amount requested
• Personal identification documents for all partners/directors
• Evidence of 25% equity contribution (bank statements or asset documents)
• Proof of business premises (lease agreement or ownership document)

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How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your business meets the SME definition: registered entity, 2+ years trading, staff count 2–100, and annual turnover within the threshold for your size category
2. Gather your financial records, business registration, and proof of the 25% equity you can contribute
3. Contact Uganda Development Bank directly or visit a local branch to obtain the SME Kazi Loans application form
4. Complete the form with your business details, the loan amount you need (UGX 50–720 million), and what you will use the funds for
5. Submit your application with all supporting documents to UDB
6. Attend the appraisal meeting where UDB will assess your business viability and collateral

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• UDB prioritises businesses with clean financial records and 2+ years of consistent trading—new startups will not qualify
• Be clear and realistic about what you will do with the loan: productivity investment, market expansion, or working capital needs are stronger than vague growth plans
• Your 25% equity stake must be real and documented; this shows you have skin in the game and reduces UDB's risk
• Demonstrate that you understand your market and have a pathway to repay the loan from business cash flow, not asset sales
• Businesses in prohibited sectors (alcohol, tobacco, wildlife) are automatic rejections regardless of financial strength

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 1 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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