Nearly half of Uganda’s women are unbanked, meaning they lack access to formal financial services. When these women want to save, borrow, or make payments, they rely on informal methods, which can expose them to risks like fraud, theft, and high interest rates. Fortunately, FINCA Uganda’s new Champion for Change, Janet Mudoola, is dedicated to helping women find safer and more reliable solutions through women’s financial inclusion.
As Brand Ambassador, longtime FINCA client Janet Mudoola will spend the next two years traveling across Uganda. She will share her story and show women how they can achieve financial independence just as she did years ago.
This approach is a fresh way to reach women who may not feel comfortable contacting FINCA directly or might not even know about its services. By having Janet—a trusted and respected community member—guide them, women will feel more confident exploring ways to build a better future for themselves.
Janet Mudoola: A Successful Businesswoman and Advocate for Women
Janet is well-qualified to lead this initiative. She serves as the Chairperson of Kimanto Twegaite, Uganda’s first Village Banking group, formed in 1992. Through her leadership, Janet has witnessed firsthand how financial inclusion for women can transform lives.
With the support of FINCA loans and financial education, Janet and her husband successfully built a sugarcane farming business. Today, their farm supports their family and provides jobs for local workers, boosting the community’s economy. The couple has also been able to build a comfortable home and ensure their children receive a quality education. Two of Janet’s children are midwives; one is a teacher, and another, supported by a FINCA scholarship, is now a physician. Her youngest is still in school.
“FINCA believed in our dreams and saw our potential as women to grow financially,” Janet said. “I am so proud to have been able to grow my business and educate my children in partnership with FINCA.”
Empowering Women in Uganda: Janet’s Role as a Champion for Change
Janet’s success story has inspired many other women to pursue financial independence through entrepreneurship. One such woman, Sarah, was hesitant to start her own business due to a lack of confidence and financial expertise. After attending group meetings led by Janet, Sarah gained the courage to take out her first loan and started a small produce business, which now supports her and her three children.
What makes Janet’s role as a Champion for Change incredibly impactful is her ability to connect with women with little or no formal financial services experience. As a trusted and respected community leader, Janet bridges the gap, empowering women to see that financial independence is within reach.
“Thousands of women will see themselves in Janet and be inspired to improve their lives,” said FINCA Uganda Board Chair Olive Lumonya.
Janet’s Vision of Financial Inclusion
Janet’s success ties back to the vision of the late Rupert Scofield, FINCA’s co-founder. In 1992, Rupert travelled to Uganda to hire the first staff and make the FINCA’s first loans in Uganda. When Rupert met Janet and her group, he saw how much small loans and financial literacy could help these women. Reflecting on his visit, Rupert wrote, “They spoke of their accomplishments, including successfully putting their children through the education system, expanding their crops, and improving their homes.”
More than 30 years later, FINCA Impact Finance CEO Jeff Flowers reflects on the impact of Janet’s journey and the broader role FINCA plays in helping families lift themselves out of poverty. “Janet’s story is proof that when given opportunity and resources, women transform their lives and communities,” Flowers said.
