dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has launched the seventh season of its flagship Rising Woman Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to empowering women-led businesses across the country.
The 2025 edition was unveiled at Mestil Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, marking another chapter in a campaign that has reached more than 60,000 women through in-person training and over one million virtually since its inception in 2018.
The programme, which promotes access to skills, networks, and financing, is widely seen as one of Uganda’s most influential platforms for women entrepreneurs.
Among the keynote speakers was Dr Victoria Sekitoleko, a former Minister for Agriculture and current board member of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda. Sharing her personal journey, she reflected on overcoming early societal limitations.
“I was born in a time when girls were expected to follow a narrow path. My parents believed education mattered—even for a girl—and that changed everything,” she said. “Every step a woman takes forward is a legacy for Uganda.”
Legal expert Winnie Awino, a partner at S&L Advocates, focused her address on securing business legacies through sound legal frameworks and estate planning. She spoke to more than 100 women in attendance about preparing their businesses for long-term resilience.
Dr Gudula Naiga Basaza, Chairperson of the dfcu Women Business Advisory Council, underlined the bank’s long-standing investment in women’s economic advancement.
“Women are at the heart of Uganda’s economy—from markets to boardrooms. dfcu Rising Woman is here to amplify that impact,” she said.
She highlighted the bank’s pioneering role in launching Uganda’s first women-focused banking service in 2007 through its Women in Business (WiB) programme—well ahead of global trends around gender-lens investing.
Since then, WiB has evolved into a broad support ecosystem offering tailored financial products, legal coaching, B2B linkages, media exposure, and business mentorship.
This year’s initiative will include five regional trainings, a business proposal competition offering UGX 30 million in prize money, the Rising Woman Expo, an Awards Gala, and an all-expenses-paid mentorship trip for top participants.
Doreen Atuheire, dfcu Bank’s Head of Women in Business, said the campaign goes beyond funding to recognise leadership and perseverance.
“We’re investing in ambition. To every woman who dares to dream and build—dfcu believes in you,” she said.
Flavia Tumusiime Kabuura, newly appointed Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of media in widening access and opportunity for women entrepreneurs.
“Visibility changes lives. It helps women grow their networks, reach bigger markets, and ultimately boost their incomes,” she said.
Participation in the Rising Woman Initiative is free. Eligible businesses must be at least 50% female-owned, with a minimum of 30% women in leadership or staffing, and must be founded and actively led by a woman. Previous winners are not eligible to reapply.
Proposal forms are available at dfcu Bank branches, Daily Monitor offices, or online at www.dfcugroup.com/rising-woman-initiative.
