Refugees are often excluded from financial systems—no credit history, no collateral, no safety net.
But we are changing this.
Through our financial inclusion work, we have learned that refugees can be trusted borrowers when financial services are designed for their realities.
Savings group loans. Shared responsibility. Real impact.
Instead of lending to individuals, VisionFund provides loans to savings groups, strengthening the group’s shared pool of funds, and increasing members’ ability to invest in small businesses.
Groups continue their savings practices, now with more capital, stronger discipline, and greater opportunity. VisionFund Uganda field officers work closely with each group to assess readiness, provide support, and ensure responsible repayment.
Technology plays a vital role in refugee lending. Using mobile tools, savings groups are registered in the field and receive and repay loans through mobile money.
This means shorter journeys to physical branches, lower client costs, and safer, faster transactions. We also support groups to build confidence in using mobile technology—making financial access easier, even in displacement.
We deliver finance through staff who understand the community. When VisionFund Uganda opened its first refugee-serving branch in Moyo, West Nile, we recruited field officers from refugee and host communities.
By combining local knowledge with tailored financial services, we are building trust, accountability, and long-term impact right where it’s needed most.
Financial literacy is at the cornerstone of our work with refugees. Thousands of individuals, mostly women, have been trained to manage savings, loans, and household finances more effectively.
Stronger financial skills help families care for their children, plan, and regain control in uncertain times.
