Institutional Background

The Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU) is a network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) throughout Uganda. It was founded in November 1996, and officially registered in 1999 under the NGO-Act and as a company limited by guarantee. AMFIU is a member-founded and member-owned institution. Full membership directory can be downloaded from the membership menu under current members section.

Formation of AMFIU

Under the umbrella of the Private Sector Development Programme, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda initiated various working groups in 1996 dealing with the constraints of Micro Enterprises (MEs). One of these groups was a small focus group discussing the financial needs of Micro Enterprises. Basically, this group consisted of the Ugandan Central Bank, two commercial banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), donors and representatives of Micro Enterprises. The main purpose of this forum was to discuss the needs of MEs. Microfinance was regarded only as an instrument to overcome the deficiencies of MEs. Over time, more and more MFIs joined and the main focus of the group changed. The group members were discussing the needs of MFIs rather than the needs of MEs. The group was regarded as an instrument for sharing information and experience in the Micro Finance Industry. It became a forum which was felt to be very useful by its members of finding solutions through discussions between MFIs and other stakeholders of the Micro Finance Industry. The transformation of this group led to the foundation of AMFIU in 1998, with the first elected Board of directors lead by Eva Mukasa, then General Manager, Uganda Finance Trust (UFT), who was succeeded by Mrs. Clare Wavamunno (then working with FINCA International).