Opportunity Bank, one of the leading micro finance banks in Uganda with over 20 years of banking experience launched its branch in Lira town on Friday.
The bank was founded in 1995. Lira town branch is located on Obote Avenue (main street), central division.
Speaking during the launch, Finance Secretary at Lira Municipal Council, Walter Opota tasked the bank to support the local community (business community) of Lira district and Lango sub region as a whole.
Opota says the name Opportunity implies that something good is expected and therefore the Bank should work according to their name.
“The name alone sounds well and we are very happy about it. We hope the services that you are going to render to us will be paramount. You are supposed to give the service that has never been there before to the people of Lira Municipality,” Opota sounded.
According to Opota, Lira Municipal Council is planning to form a committee for the main street road since they need support for their businesses along the street.
“Very soon we are going to form a committee for this main street road and it’s the people who are in the main street to participate to make this road to look okay; to be well because we get money from using this road and it’s from here that we get more money to construct other roads,” he added.
Meanwhile, John Robert Okon the regional manager and head of business at Opportunity bank pledged full support to the community they serve.
“As opportunity bank Lira branch, we are doing a lot to support our clients. A couple of months back, we raised funds and many assorted items to nodding syndrome victims. Opportunity contributed shs.20m so we are really on top of our games when it comes to corporate social responsibilities,” Okon said.
“And I pledge we will continue to support the community that we serve; we will continue to give back to the community or participate in preserving the environment on top of supporting all the programs that will come from this municipality and also to abide by all the by-laws set by the municipal.”
Nyangkori Moses, the Opportunity bank branch manager for Lira explained the services they offer, among them salary loans, Agribusiness loans, tractors and other farming equipment to farmers as well as school fees loans among others.
Traders react
Sam Okello, one of the charcoal makers in Lira town could not hide his excitement after the launch.
He says: “I’m hopeful that if what bank officials told us today can be granted, I will move to another level through their loan.”
Agnes Auma who sell tomatoes on noteber road, west of Lira main market noted that many banks have made promises before but this time her hopes are with Opportunity bank, Lira branch.