Kampala, Uganda – August 20, 2026: NCBA Bank Uganda, under its Business Banking Customer Value Proposition (sCVP), in partnership with MAT Abacus Business School, has launched the NCBA Enterprise Development Program, a one-year initiative aimed at equipping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge, practical skills, mentorship and support needed to strengthen their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.
The programme was officially launched at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, with 50 SMEs participating in the inaugural cohort.
The launch was attended by NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mark Muyobo, MAT Abacus Executive Programs Coordinator Isaiah Kizito and representatives of participating businesses.
The Enterprise Development Program will take participating businesses through a structured year-long journey, beginning with business gap analysis and diagnosis, followed by selection and onboarding, practical core workshops, coaching and business clinics, graduation and continued alumni support.
Participants will receive practical guidance in areas including business planning, financial management and other critical capabilities aimed at strengthening their operations and improving their readiness to access financing.
The programme will also provide one-on-one and group coaching to help entrepreneurs translate the knowledge acquired into practical actions and measurable business progress.
Upon completion, participants will graduate into an alumni network that will provide continued access to mentorship opportunities and potential NCBA financial solutions to support their next phase of growth.
Speaking at the launch, Muyobo said supporting SMEs requires more than providing access to finance.
“At NCBA, we believe that supporting SMEs goes beyond providing access to finance. It is about helping business owners build the capabilities, structures and confidence required to grow sustainable enterprises,” he said.
He said the partnership with MAT Abacus enables the bank to take a holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey.
“We are excited to welcome the first 50 businesses into the program and look forward to seeing them translate this experience into stronger, more resilient and bank-ready businesses,” Muyobo said.
Kizito said the partnership would give SMEs practical tools, knowledge and mentorship tailored to their individual business needs.
“We are delighted to partner with NCBA to equip SMEs with practical tools, knowledge and mentorship for real business growth,” he said.
He added that the programme would meet entrepreneurs at their current stage and support them throughout their growth journey to build stronger, more sustainable and bank-ready businesses.
The initiative reflects NCBA’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s private sector by addressing some of the challenges SMEs face as they seek to formalise, expand and access growth opportunities.
The inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a wider programme expected to support more SMEs over time while creating a community where entrepreneurs can share experiences, access mentorship and build stronger businesses.
The partnership combines NCBA’s financial services and business support expertise with MAT Abacus’ experience in enterprise development, creating a platform designed to provide SMEs with practical tools and guidance to advance their businesses.
