By When most people think of bankers, they imagine men and women in sharp suits poring over financial statements, approving loans, and climbing the corporate ladder. Few would picture such a person swapping boardrooms for dust, cement, and the noise of stone quarries. Yet that is exactly the path Simon Ssekankya, the man behind Hardware World, chose more than two decades ago. Today, his bold move has reshaped Uganda’s retail landscape and created what is widely regarded as East Africa’s first true hardware supermarket.
In 2001, Ssekankya left banking to pursue a dream that seemed unconventional at the time. He began with a modest shop in Kalerwe, one of Kampala’s bustling trading neighborhoods, selling essential building materials. The early days were tough, defined by long hours, tight margins, and a steep learning curve. But armed with his financial background, discipline, and eye for opportunity, Ssekankya steadily grew his business.
That small shop has since transformed into Hardware World in Ntinda, a multi-level retail hub that stocks everything from cement and steel to paint, bathroom fittings, tiles, and electrical equipment. Walking through the vast aisles, one is reminded of how far the company has come from its modest origins. For Ssekankya, sitting in his top-floor office and planning the future expansion of the brand is both a source of pride and motivation to keep pushing further.
Behind this journey is a long-standing partnership with dfcu Bank, which Ssekankya describes as central to his success. From the very beginning, dfcu financed major milestones including the acquisition, construction, and stocking of the Ntinda flagship branch. The timing could not have been better—Kampala was expanding into Kiira Municipality, and demand for construction materials was surging. Hardware World was perfectly positioned to seize the opportunity.
But what truly sets the partnership apart, Ssekankya emphasizes, is dfcu’s tailored approach to business banking. Unlike many institutions that apply a one-size-fits-all model, dfcu invested time in understanding his needs. “They have gone beyond lending,” he explains. “They know their customers and design solutions that match specific demands. As a former banker, I am very particular about liquidity and financial control. Dfcu has not only met my expectations but exceeded them, providing bespoke products and advisory services that allow us to thrive.”
That relationship has been crucial in allowing Hardware World to navigate the daily challenges of running a large enterprise while simultaneously preparing for long-term expansion. Today, the company directly employs more than 130 people, with thousands of others engaged across its value chain—suppliers, transporters, and agents who distribute hardware products across Uganda and the wider region. This ripple effect has turned Ssekankya’s private ambition into a source of livelihood for many families.
But his impact goes beyond business. Deeply aware of the communities that have supported his growth, Ssekankya has invested in social causes ranging from the construction of churches and hospitals to supporting the homeless and funding health initiatives. These gestures reflect his conviction that business success must go hand in hand with giving back.
Looking ahead, Ssekankya envisions even bigger strides. His dream is to see Hardware World’s footprint extend beyond Uganda, just as he hopes dfcu Bank expands further into the region. “I want to be able to bank in Juba and access my money in Kampala instantly,” he says, adding that he expects dfcu to embrace digital innovation and automation that will make banking seamless.
More than twenty years after taking a leap of faith, the former banker-turned-entrepreneur is still building—this time, not only structures of cement and steel but also a legacy of enterprise and resilience. With dfcu Bank as a partner and his vision firmly set on regional expansion, Simon Ssekankya continues to grow his empire, one brick at a time.
