By Running a business in Uganda often feels like climbing a mountain without a clear path. For many small and medium enterprises, the obstacles are daunting—delayed financing, risky cash handling, and limited access to markets. Yet, in the middle of these challenges, some stories stand out as proof that the right partnership can change everything.
One such story is that of Nuhu Kanyike, the visionary behind Falkan Investments Ltd and a distributor for Unilever. His journey is not just about business—it’s about resilience, trust, and the power of finding a financial partner who believes in your dream.
A Turning Point in 2017
In 2017, Kanyike hit a wall. He was stuck waiting endlessly for a guarantee from his previous bank—a delay that threatened to cripple his distributorship. Just when the doors seemed to be closing, he was introduced to Equity Bank. Within a week, his guarantee was processed. “They handled everything quickly and professionally,” Kanyike recalls. That moment became the turning point of his business journey.
More Than Banking—A True Partner
For Kanyike, Equity Bank didn’t just provide credit—they offered solutions designed around the realities of an SME. With flexible guarantee facilities, his business could access Unilever stock on extended payment terms, easing cash flow pressures and unlocking growth.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. Equity’s agency banking network changed how his teams worked in the field. No longer did they have to carry large amounts of risky cash back to the warehouse. With over 9,300 agents across Uganda, deposits are now made instantly in the field, saving time, ensuring safety, and fueling faster expansion into new regions.
Growth Beyond Boundaries
This new system empowered Falkan Investments to reach areas once avoided because of cash-handling risks. Places like Ishaka and Karenga, once seen as out of reach, are now part of the company’s growth story. Trucks now return cash-free, while deposits reflect instantly in accounts—a small shift that created massive impact.
And when the business needs to stock up or bridge gaps to meet sales targets, Equity provides short-term working capital loans that match the speed and rhythm of SME operations. “That kind of agility is essential in our line of work,” says Kanyike.
A Message of Hope for Entrepreneurs
To Kanyike, Equity Bank is more than just a lender. It is a partner that listens, innovates, and walks alongside entrepreneurs. His story proves that with the right support, even the toughest business challenges can be turned into stepping stones.
“Uganda’s SMEs need partners who understand us and offer real-time solutions,” he concludes. “Equity Bank has done that for us.”
For entrepreneurs wondering if growth is possible amidst endless obstacles, Kanyike’s journey is living proof: with the right partner, your business can rise, thrive, and inspire others along the way.
