Hilton Foundation gives Shs1.87 billion to refugees

KAMPALA – Hilton Foundation, an international grants organization has partnered with Opportunity Bank Uganda and
FINCA to support over 10,000 refugees in Nakivale, Kyerandongo and West Nile refugee camps. 
Speaking at the launch of the Early Childhood Development in the Refugee in Kampala April 24th, 2023, Mr Amos Bonna, the Chief Relations Officer, Opportunity Bank said the program worth US$500,000 (Shs1.87billion) is to provide capital and financial literacy to the refugee settlements.
“As part of building capacity in the refugee settlements, Opportunity Bank will develop the incubation and
prototyping of social enterprises in Nakivale and enhance the care givers capacity in money management and the use of digital financial services," he said.
Adding, "We look at the under serviced community like refugees. Thanks to Office of the Prime, Merry Corps
among others.”
Uganda hosts 1.47 million refugees in 13 districts with about 6 million host communities.
Hilliton Foundation is using this as a pilot but it needs for multiple funding. 
He said Opportunity Bank is the first commercial bank in Uganda to open branches in refugee camps.

In the last two years, we have given out over Shs3 billion loans to over 7000 individuals who have savings
of over 425 million. We plan to open more three branches in Kamwenge, Palebeke and Bidibidi refugee
camps. Humanitarian financing is not lonely walk in the park. Thanks to partners who have helped us focus on
financing Early Childhood Development Education (ECCDE) schools.
Mr James Onyutta, the Managing Director, FINCA hailed Hilton Foundation for funding the two years programme
with chances of rolling to other refugee camps.
“We are committed to ensure the programme is a success,” he said.

About the Foundation
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation established in 1944 by the man who started Hilton
Hotels. We provide funds to non-profit organizations working to improve the lives of individuals living in
poverty and experiencing disadvantage throughout the world.
The majority of our funding is devoted to our program areas. Our work is focused on efforts to ensure healthy
early childhood development and sustainable livelihoods for youth, support young people transitioning out of
foster care, improve access to housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, identify
solutions to safe water access, and lift the work of Catholic sisters International hotelier Conrad N. Hilton established the grant making foundation that bears his name in 1944.

The Foundation is one of the world’s largest, with approximately $6.7 billion in assets.
It has awarded grants to date totalling more than $3 billion.