KAMPALA, UGANDA – dfcu Bank has joined the ongoing ‘2023 Savings Challenge’ campaign that seeks to empower individuals across Uganda to start small, save consistently, and grow their money to achieve specific goals.
Charles M. Mudiwa, the Bank’s CEO, this week confirmed that the bank will actively participate in the yearlong challenge.
The campaign is being championed by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA), Bank of Uganda, and Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA). The one-year Savings Challenge is scheduled to run until October 31, 2023.
To support the campaign, dfcu’s staff and customers will be encouraged to contribute to the Giant Savings Box which will be stationed at the Banking hall in Kyadondo Road Branch and be on rotation to a number of other Branches to drive up overall collections.
Jude Kansiime, Head of Marketing at dfcu Bank, highlighted the transformative impact initiatives like the Savings Challenge have on reshaping communities’ perspectives on saving money.
Goretti Masadde, CEO of the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services acknowledged the opportunity to enhance financial awareness and capability, particularly given the financial shocks caused by the COVID pandemic.
She stated, “With the participation of approximately 35 organizations, the Savings Challenge has already collected over UGX 10,000,000; marking a promising start towards achieving the initiative’s objectives.”
Charles M. Mudiwa, CEO & Managing Director of dfcu Bank, emphasized that dfcu Bank’s mission of transforming lives and businesses is deeply rooted in the importance of savings. He expressed concern about the prevailing inclination towards instant gratification, which often hinders individuals from fully embracing the rewarding journey of saving.
Mudiwa further commented, “As a responsible financial institution, dfcu Bank recognizes our role as stewards of the world for future generations. We understand the importance of considering the long-term implications of our financial decisions. Through initiatives like the Savings Challenge, we aim to foster a sustainable approach to saving and investing, empowering individuals to make wise choices that not only benefit their own financial well-being but also contribute to a greener and more prosperous future for all.”
Tilda Nabbanja Turyagyenda, Team Leader of Financial Literacy at the Bank of Uganda, and Tibbs Orikiriza, UMRA Manager for SACCOs, acknowledged the challenges of saving while emphasizing the profound impact that small, intentional actions can have on our financial well-being. They emphasized the importance of taking gradual steps in the right direction, highlighting that even modest efforts can lead to significant improvements in our financial lives.
As part of the competition, participating savers are required to share a 30-second video clip or a captioned image of their experience on popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok, using the hashtags #BOU, #UIBFS, #UBA, #dfcuBank, and #SavingsChallenge. A panel of three to five esteemed members will review and select the best stories and top savers, who will be awarded monthly prizes, culminating in the World Savings Day Convention on October 31, 2023.
To participate in the ‘2023 Savings Challenge,’ dfcu Bank customers can register by accessing forms at any branch nationwide, or by visiting the UIBFS Website (www.uibfs.or.ug) and your money can portal (www.yourmoneycan.or.ug) to fill out an online Savings Challenge registration form.
