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A Truck from Grow Loans to Expand My Business

Published on 8 April 2026

WENGO’S BUSINESS

“I bought a truck and motorbike using a loan from GROW, and it has helped me expand my business and increase my profit margin.”

Wengo Night proudly shares a smile, lighting up her face. Wengo Night’s business is located in Lira District, Soroti road, Reda East, Lumumba village. Her business has blossomed beyond her wildest dreams, thanks to a fortuitous radio advertisement about the GROW loan facility by Centenary Bank she stumbled upon one day.

Wengo’s business, operating from Reda East along the Soroti Road, focuses on buying and trading produce; soya beans, maize, beans, sunflower, and millet. Everyday, she travels far and wide, sourcing fresh produce from local farmers in Uganda and even from neighbouring Tanzania. “I sell retail in Lira and supply markets across the Lango and Acholi subregions, Kamplala, Hoima and extending even to schools in Sudan and South Sudan and Tanzania,” she explains.

Truck & Bodaboda

With capital in hand, Wengo was able to purchase a Lorry (Truck) and a motorbike (Bodaboda), crucial assets in her daily operations.“Now, I can efficiently handle border-to-border transport and district-to- district deliveries. The Bodaboda also generates income during the off-pea seasons by transporting customers around Lira,” she explains.

Transport Challenges

Despite her thriving enterprise, Wengo faced a crippling challenge: transportation. “Every time I needed to deliver goods, I felt the weight of my losses. Hiring transport vehicles drained my profits, and I was left struggling just to keep my business afloat,“ she recalls, her voice tinged with the memory of past frustrations. I followed the radio advert to Centenary Bank Lira Branch and spoke with the Manager. “I felt immediate assurance after the manager confirmed that I qualified, as my business fulfilled the necessary requirements. The verification process was smooth, and before I knew it, my UGX 100 million loan was approved.“ Wengo recounts her excitement in unmistakable.

Impact On Wengo

“Before the loan, my business capital was only UGX 1.5 million; now, it’s valued at UGX 200 million,” 
Wengo states, pride swelling in her chest. The truck and bodaboda have widened her market reach dramatically, enabling her to supply schools more effectively. “Now, I earn about UGX 20 million every four months from school sales, spending just UGX 1.5 million on transportation. Previously, I was losing UGX 3 million just to supply schools,” she reflects, illustrating the staggering difference the loan made.
Transporting produce internationally used to cost her UGX 5 million, a hefty sum. “Now it’s just UGX 2.5 million. GROW’s low-interest rates have been a blessing,” she adds with a knowing nod. Wengo’s success has had a ripple effect, creating jobs for ten individuals who now support their families through her thriving business. “I’ve even been able to buy land andbegin building my house. My children are in school, and I feel a sense of stability,” she shares, her voice filled with gratitude. Wengo is a single mother supporting not just her two kids but also six extended family members. “I fully paid back my loan, and I encourage all women to embrace GROW.” Read more

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