Equity Bank seminar empowers Kampala salon owners

Salon Owners at the Equity Bank Salon Owners Seminar at Pope Paul Memorial Centre Lubaga

KAMPALA, Uganda — Two years ago, Jessica Muteteri’s salon was failing. Rent was overdue, utility bills were mounting and staff wages felt like a chokehold on her enterprise.

The struggle changed when Muteteri secured a 5 million Ugandan shilling loan from Equity Bank, repayable over 12 months. She said the capital injection transformed her business and redefined her path as an entrepreneur.

When an invitation arrived for a seminar titled Grow Your Salon Business with Equity Bank, Muteteri did not hesitate. She rallied fellow salon owners from Galilaya Arcade and neighboring beauty businesses across Kampala to attend the event at the Pope Paul Memorial Centre.

Organized by Equity Bank’s commercial department through its micro segment unit, the seminar drew more than 200 stylists, barbers and beauticians. The bank positioned the event as a catalyst for transforming small businesses into professional enterprises.

The initiative relied on a partnership with the Federation of Uganda Salons and Beauty Professionals Association (FUSPRO). Recognized by the government in 2016, FUSPRO operates in 141 of Uganda’s 146 districts and represents approximately 120,000 registered salon owners and trainers.

FUSPRO CEO Celestine Kamanyire, who led a training session, said the federation is working to close a critical gap in the industry.

“One of the key things we lack is training on financial literacy, how to operate a business, having a collective voice and professionalizing our craft,” Kamanyire said.

Bob Paul Lusembo, head of micro business at Equity Bank, provided practical steps for growth. He guided participants through daily savings habits, disciplined record-keeping and specialized loan products like Equi-Mama, which is designed specifically for women entrepreneurs.

For attendee Esther Namutebi, the financial advice came at a vital time. Power shortages had crippled her operations, and she previously felt unable to afford a generator.

“Now I know how to access financing and invest back into my salon,” Namutebi said. She added that the most important lesson was not just how to get a loan, but how to use the money so the business can grow while ensuring the debt is repaid.

Beyond financing, the seminar emphasized the importance of formalization. Kamanyire urged owners to register their businesses, obtain tax identification numbers and maintain dedicated business accounts. He noted that compliance with institutions like the Uganda Registration Services Bureau builds the credibility necessary for long-term growth.

Muteteri, whose Galicious Beauty Parlor is now thriving, said she feels ready to compete at a higher level.

The seminar served as a morale boost for an industry powered largely by women and youth. FUSPRO officials confirmed that similar workshops will soon roll out across western, eastern and northern Uganda to replicate the momentum found in Kampala.