Re:BUiLD is enabling financial inclusion of refugees and vulnerable host residents through supporting Urban Savings and Loans Associations (USLAs). 

Urban Saving & Loans Associations (USLA) groups have been trained by the Re:BUiLD program in principles of USLA, record keeping and the process of developing a group constitution. The USLAs consist of groups of between 15-25 members.

In addition to the training, the Re:BUiLD program is facilitating the groups to register with the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) in Kampala as Community Based Organisations (CBOs). This support continues to date.

In Kampala as of March 2025, Re:BUiLD and partners have supported 109 USLA groups comprising 1446 refugees and 779 nationals, and in Nairobi as of March 2025, Re:BUiLD and partners have supported 133 USLA groups comprising 1,676 refugees and 387 nationals . The Re:BUiLD program continues to support these groups to enable them formalise, have access to services of financial institutions as well as technical support to enable smooth operation of the groups.

Urban saving schemes encourage social cohesion as well as provide a mechanism for refugees and vulnerable hosts to save and access much needed financial services to invest in their small businesses.

The USLA clients are linked to financial service providers like Banks and Saccos to access formal financial services including account opening, credit and financial literacy. This has enabled clients grow their business further with access to capital and per their business needs. 

Data source: Urban Saving & Loans Associations (USLA) survey as of March 2025