Urwego Opportunity Microfinance Bank customers in Rubavu will now find it easy to access services after the bank opened a branch in the Western Province town on Friday.

Tineyi Mawocha, the Urwego Opportunity Bank chief excutive officer, said the move is part of the financial institution’s countrywide expansion programme that aims at taking its services nearer to clients. The bank now has 12 upcountry branches.

Mawocha said the branch will offer innovative services, including e-banking where customers can access their bank accounts on their mobile phones and the Internet.

"Our vision is Rwanda in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.

For farmers in the area, the bank gives loans to individual farmers and farmer co-operatives.

Samuel Nsengiyimva, a businessman in Rubavu town, said extending financial services to rural communities is one of the ways to support the country’s development objectives.

"This is a great chance for Rubavu residents to save and borrow money to grow their businesses,” Nsengiyimva said.