dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has officially launched Season 7 of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a nationwide campaign aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to thrive.
Unveiled at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, the 2025 edition builds on the initiative’s impressive legacy of having supported over 60,000 women in person and reached more than one million virtually since its inception in 2018.
The Rising Woman campaign remains one of Uganda’s most influential platforms for driving women-led business transformation.
The chief guest, Dr. Victoria Sekitoleko, former Minister of Agriculture and respected leadership mentor, delivered an inspiring keynote reflecting on the power of opportunity.
“I was born in a time when society had very clear, and often limiting, expectations for girls. Fortunately, I had parents who believed in the power of education, even for a girl. Because of them, I built skills, confidence, and a voice that carried me from our family farm to national and global leadership,” she shared.
Dr. Sekitoleko lauded the Rising Woman Initiative for recognizing women as key agents in Uganda’s economic transformation.
Declaring the 7th edition officially open, she urged participants to “invest in yourself and your fellow businesswomen, because every step forward you take is a legacy for Uganda.”
Winnie Awino, a partner at S&L Advocates, delivered a practical and insightful session on Safeguarding Business Legacy, attended by more than 100 women entrepreneurs.
Her presentation covered legal structures for building businesses, estate planning, and strategies to future-proof personal and corporate assets.
She emphasized the importance of preparing businesses for sustainability and succession.
“Future-proofing isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for every serious entrepreneur,” she said.
Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Chairperson of the dfcu Women Business Advisory Council, reiterated dfcu Bank’s pioneering role in supporting women in business.
“Women are the backbone of Uganda. From market stalls to boardrooms, their impact is profound. The Rising Woman Initiative exists to amplify their stories,” she stated.
She highlighted dfcu’s launch of Uganda’s first women-focused banking program in 2007 through its Women in Business (WiB) Program, years ahead of global gender-lens investing trends.
Today, the WiB Program provides a dynamic ecosystem of: Tailored financial solutions, Business training and advisory services, Legal and leadership coaching B2B linkages and market exposure and Media profiling and mentorship
“This year’s Rising Woman edition delivers all that and more. Our message to Uganda’s women entrepreneurs is simple: Let’s Go Further Together,” Dr. Basaza said.
Doreen Atuheire, Head of Women in Business at dfcu Bank, described the 2025 campaign as the most ambitious yet, featuring: Five Regional Trainings, a Business Proposal Competition with UGX 30 million in prize money, a national Rising Woman Expo, a celebratory Awards Gala and an All-Expenses-Paid Mentorship Trip for top winners
“We’re not just funding businesses,” Atuheire noted. “We’re investing in ambition, resilience, and leadership. To every woman who dares to dream and build, dfcu believes in you.”
Flavia Tumusiime Kabuura, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, emphasized the media’s role in supporting women’s economic progress.
“This initiative allows women to grow their networks and access larger markets, which boosts their income and strengthens their businesses,” she said, reaffirming the company’s commitment through targeted programming and strategic partnerships.
Participation in the Rising Woman Initiative is free of charge.
Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria: At least 50% female ownership, at least 30% women in leadership or staff, and founded and actively led by a woman
(Note: Previous Rising Woman winners are ineligible to reapply.)
Proposal forms are available at dfcu Bank branches, Daily Monitor offices, and online via:
https://www.dfcugroup.com/rising-woman-initiative/
As Season 7 kicks off, dfcu Bank and its partners continue to champion the empowerment of Uganda’s women, turning bold ideas into sustainable businesses and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
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