Pader residents praise DFCU Bank at 62 years of service in Uganda

19 May 2026, 19:25

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Customers in Pader District have praised Dfcu Bank for promoting financial inclusion and business growth as it marked 62 years in Uganda and over 10 years of service in Pader. Branch Manager Julius Ogeatum said the bank, established in 1964, serves about 30,000 clients in Pader District and supports development through loans, digital banking, and financial literacy programmes. Customers and leaders commended the bank’s accessible services and loan support for businesses, urging expansion of mobile services and encouraging residents to adopt formal banking for safety and growth.

Customers in Pader District have commended Dfcu Bank for its role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting business growth as the institution marked 62 years of operations in Uganda through internal branch celebrations held at Pader Branch.

The anniversary activities were conducted internally on Monday, May 18, 2026, with a reflection session among staff, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, where selected customers joined branch staff to mark the milestone.

Speaking to our reporter, Julius Ogeatum, Branch Manager of Dfcu Bank Pader Branch, said the bank’s journey dates back to 1964 when it was established as the Development Finance Company of Uganda to provide long-term financing to businesses that struggled to access commercial credit.

He noted that Dfcu Bank has grown through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, becoming one of Uganda’s leading financial institutions committed to national development, financial inclusion, and business support.

He added that the Pader Branch has served the community for over 10 years and currently serves about 30,000 customers across Pader, Agago, and surrounding areas

Ogeatum highlighted the bank’s plans to expand financial literacy programmes, support SACCOs and small businesses, and strengthen digital financial services such as the Dfcu Mobi Loan, which allows customers to access credit via mobile phones.

He also emphasised continued support for government initiatives like the Parish Development Model.

Ketty Joy Amanyangole, a resident of Pader Town Council and long-time customer, said she has banked with dfcu Bank for 21 years through her personal account and nine years through her business account.

She explained that her journey with the bank began after receiving recommendations from friends who were already customers.

“Over the years, I have found dfcu Bank to be very professional and supportive,” Amanyangole said. “Whenever I need assistance, the staff respond promptly and with care.”

She credited the bank’s loan services for helping her expand her business, noting that fair interest rates and manageable repayment terms have enabled her to grow steadily over time.

“The loans I have accessed have played a big role in growing my business,” she said. “I encourage people not to keep money at home but to use banks like dfcu for safety and growth.”

Amanyangole also congratulated the branch management for their continued service to the community and reaffirmed her loyalty to the institution.

“I have trusted dfcu Bank for more than 20 years, and I have never regretted it,” she said.

Similarly, Okelo Titto Brilliant, LC III Chairperson of Pajule Town Council, also shared his reflections through a phone interview, noting that he has been a customer of dfcu Bank since 2008.

He said one of the key reasons he has remained with the bank is its continued presence and accessibility in the district, even when other financial institutions reduced their physical reach in rural areas.

“Dfcu Bank has remained close to the people,” Okelo said. “This accessibility has made it easier for residents to save safely and access essential financial services.”

He praised the professionalism of the bank staff, particularly their ability to communicate in both English and local languages, which he said has made banking more inclusive and user-friendly for the community.

Okelo also called on the bank to expand its financial literacy programmes, increase mobile banking education, and extend agent and ATM networks to growing trading centres such as Pajule and Atanga.

He further encouraged residents to adopt formal banking practices, warning against keeping money at home due to risks such as theft, fire, and loss.

“As leaders, we continue to encourage our people to embrace banking,” he said. “Keeping money in the home is risky. Banks provide safety, growth, and financial discipline.”

The celebrations highlighted Dfcu Bank’s continued role in transforming lives and strengthening economic growth in Northern Uganda through accessible and customer-focused banking services.