What began in 1996 as a five-year donor-funded project is today one of Uganda’s leading microfinance institutions. VisionFund Uganda is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary under the theme: 30 Years of Impact & Community Transformation. Advancing Bold, Innovative Financial Inclusion, Building Brighter Futures for Children in Uganda.

In 1996, World Vision International and World Vision Uganda, with a matching grant from USAID and World Vision US, launched the Enterprise for Health Project to improve the socioeconomic and health status of households in poor communities in Uganda, Tanzania and Peru. Its objective was to develop sustainable microenterprise institutions, provide credit and training to microenterprises, and establish replicable models of microenterprise development.

To deliver on this mandate, the Micro Enterprise Development Network (MED-Net) was registered in June 1996 as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Following the recruitment of key staff and approval of its Detailed Implementation Plan, MED-Net commenced credit operations in January 1997 with branches in Mukono and Masaka. Early staff were trained by the George Washington University Center for Global Health in credit operations, quality assurance and project management.

Between 1998 and 2000, through support from the Government of Uganda, USAID PRESTO Center for Microfinance and other partners, MED-Net commercialized its operations. This period saw the opening of branches in Rakai, Mpigi, Mbale, Kyazanga and Kampala.

MED-Net continued to strengthen its foundations, purchasing its head office premises at Makerere-Kavule in 2004 and ushering in new management in 2006 to drive self-sufficiency and systems growth. In 2007, with US$300,000 in capital funding and technical support from the WVI-funded PRISMA Project, the institution undertook major capacity building, benchmarked integration models through learning visits to World Vision MFIs in Ethiopia and Kenya, and piloted integration in World Vision Area Development Programs in Kasawo, Kyanamukaka and Kaswa. That same year, MicroRating International rated it as a promising MFI rebuilding for growth and sustainability.

From 2008 to 2009, integration enabled expansion to Soroti, Aber, Koro-Bobi (Gulu), Tororo and Kasangombe (Wobulenzi). In 2011, the Board approved the takeover by VisionFund International, which was legally concluded in 2012 with 99% ownership. MED-Net was subsequently transformed and rebranded to VisionFund Uganda (VFU).

In 2019, VFU expanded into the West Nile region to serve refugees and host communities through its Finance Accelerated Savings Group Transformation (FAST) product, opening the Moyo Branch. In 2020, it partnered with Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation to advance financial inclusion in Moyo and Palorinya Refugee Settlement, with expansion plans to Yumbe and Adjumani.

Growth continued with the opening of Iganga, Lamwo and Agago branches in 2024, the unveiling of its new head office at Kira Road, Kamwokya and the launch of its 26th outlet, the Corporate Branch, in 2025, and the opening of Adjumani Branch in 2026, bringing the network to 26 branches countrywide.

Thirty years on, the project that started with two branches now stands as a regulated, resilient institution that has empowered families, enabled financial inclusion for the most vulnerable, including refugee communities, and contributed to building brighter futures.

Beyond lending, VisionFund Uganda now offers a comprehensive portfolio designed for low-income households. This includes micro-enterprise and agriculture financing, education support, asset financing, credit facilities linked to Savings Groups, and micro-health insurance paired with financial education. The institution measures success not only in portfolio growth but in household resilience, with an impact model anchored on community mobilization, livelihood strengthening, and sustainable development.

Commenting on the anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer of VisionFund Uganda, Mercy Sande Ainomugisha, said: “Thirty years ago we started as a small project with two branches and a big dream to improve the lives of families in vulnerable communities. Today we are a resilient institution with 26 branches reaching the most vulnerable, including refugee communities. This journey proves that with faith, discipline and a commitment to our clients, a project can become an institution that transforms a nation. Our vision remains clear — to enable children to live life in all its fullness through financial inclusion. We are not just providing loans; we are transforming lives. As we look to 2028 and our ambition to attain Tier 3 status, we will accelerate digital transformation, deepen partnerships and stay true to our calling.”

Anniversary activities will include client celebrations, community outreaches and financial literacy campaigns across respective branches.