Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about RAIS, our services, and how we can help.

App

Absolutely. We use bank-grade encryption to protect all personal and financial data. Your information is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent. Our platform complies with Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act, and we conduct regular security audits to ensure your data remains safe.

Eligibility

Any Ugandan resident aged 18 or above with an active business or verifiable income source can apply. We serve individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships, and registered companies. You do not need collateral or a bank account — we assess applications based on your business performance and character.
No, we do not require traditional collateral such as land titles or vehicle logbooks. Instead, we assess your business cash flow, transaction history (including mobile money records), character references, and repayment capacity. For larger amounts, we may ask for a personal guarantee or group guarantee.

General

RAIS stands for Responsible Alternative Investment Solutions. We are a financial services company based in Uganda that provides interest-free financing, savings programmes, and financial literacy education to individuals and small businesses.
Unlike traditional banks that charge interest on loans, RAIS uses alternative financing models based on shared risk and equitable partnerships. We focus on financial inclusion, serving clients who may not qualify for conventional bank loans, and we invest heavily in financial literacy to ensure our clients succeed.

Loans

Our financing is structured as a partnership rather than a debt arrangement. Depending on the product, we may use cost-plus financing (where we purchase an asset and sell it to you at a disclosed markup), profit-sharing arrangements, or lease-to-own models. The key difference is that there is no compounding interest — the total cost is agreed upfront and does not increase if you face temporary difficulties.
We offer financing ranging from UGX 500,000 for micro-enterprises up to UGX 50,000,000 for established SMEs. The amount you qualify for depends on your business cash flow, repayment capacity, and track record. First-time clients typically start with smaller amounts and can access larger financing as they build a history with us.
Repayment periods range from 3 months to 24 months depending on the financing product and amount. We work with each client to structure repayment schedules that align with their business cash flow — whether that means weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly instalments.

Partners

Yes, we actively seek partnerships with NGOs, community-based organisations, SACCOs, religious institutions, and corporate entities that share our mission of financial inclusion. Partnership models include co-financing programmes, financial literacy delivery, referral arrangements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Contact our partnerships team to discuss possibilities.
Yes, we have a dedicated programme for Village Savings and Loan Associations and other community savings groups. We provide training, digital tools for record-keeping, and group financing options that allow members to access larger amounts backed by their group's collective guarantee. Over 100 savings groups currently partner with RAIS across Uganda.

Repayment

We understand that businesses face unexpected challenges. If you anticipate difficulty making a payment, contact us immediately. We offer grace periods and can restructure your repayment schedule in genuine cases of hardship. Unlike interest-based lenders, your outstanding balance does not increase due to late payment — though consistent non-communication may affect your future eligibility.
We accept repayments via mobile money (MTN MoMo and Airtel Money), bank transfer, and cash deposits at our office. The RAIS app sends automated reminders before each due date and provides a clear dashboard showing your repayment progress and remaining balance.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is here to help. Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.