Our Shareholders

Anonciata Mukantabana

Anonciata Mukantabana’s entrepreneurial fire was lit in 2004 when she became a client of Urwego Opportunity Bank (UOB).  Since then the flame has done nothing but spread to many lucrative businesses.

She started her first business selling telephone services (people paid her to make phone calls) with a loan of $34USD, and now she has expanded her endeavors to include opening a supermarket, restaurant, and an events service.  Anonciata’s events service provides rentals of tents, plastic chairs, and bridal gowns to clients looking to make their special occasion memorable.

Through the success of her businesses Anonciata has built a safe and secure home for her family and increased her family’s income by building and renting three additional homes.  Most importantly she is able to pay for her children’s schooling, which she knows is a crucial element in improving their futures and the fight against poverty.

As Anonciata’s businesses have grown she has hired five employees with the desire to see them improve their lives and the lives of their families.  She said, “In order to help my workers achieve their dreams, I have embarked on training them on how to do business and I provide ongoing counsel so that they are successful.  Now, they show undeniably positive signs that they believe they are capable of improving their own lives.”  She hopes that through her example of obeying God’s Word by “Loving your neighbor as yourself” her employees will in turn become contributing members of their own communities.

Anonciata credits her entrepreneurial success not only to the UOB loans but also to the trainings and personal follow up provided by the UOB lending staff.  She is extremely grateful for the social collateral that is offered through the Community Banking Group methodology, which allows her and other women (who might not have collateral) to receive loans to start and expand their businesses.  This community also provides much needed encouragement for all involved.  Anonciata said, “Groups break isolation, enhance unity, and are a learning platform.”

It is amazing to think about how with her first loan of $34USD Anonciata started a telephone service through which she was able to establish three other businesses and build four homes.  Her current loan is $2500 and her future endeavors include purchasing a small truck to make her deliveries.  There is no question that Anonciata’s entrepreneurial fire will continue to be the flame of success and security for many years.