Dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has launched Season 7 of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a flagship campaign committed to empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to thrive in business.
The launch took place at Mestil Hotel in Kampala and marked yet another milestone in the Initiative’s remarkable journey since its inception in 2018. With over 60,000 women empowered through in-person engagements and more than one million reached virtually, Rising Woman continues to cement its place as one of Uganda’s most impactful platforms for women-led business transformation.
The event’s chief guest, Dr. Victoria Sekitoleko, former Minister of Agriculture and respected leadership mentor, shared her personal journey as a testament to the power of opportunity. She reflected on how societal expectations once limited girls, but credited her progress to parents who believed in education for their daughter.
Delivering the keynote address, Winnie Awino, a partner at S&L Advocates, tackled the theme of safeguarding business legacy. She shared practical insights and legal strategies with over 100 businesswomen present at the event. Her presentation emphasized the importance of establishing solid legal frameworks for business growth and ensuring personal and business estates are secured for the future. She encouraged participants to protect their ventures against unforeseen challenges by being proactive and well-prepared.
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Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Chairperson of the dfcu Women Business Advisory Council, reaffirmed dfcu Bank’s long-standing dedication to women entrepreneurs. She described women as the backbone of Uganda—nurturers, community transformers, and key contributors to economic progress. From running market stalls to leading corporate boardrooms, she said, their influence is undeniable. Dr. Basaza highlighted that dfcu Bank was the first in Uganda to introduce a women-centered banking program in 2007, known as the Women in Business (WiB) Program. This initiative has grown into a dynamic ecosystem that offers financial support, training, advisory services, legal and leadership coaching, as well as business-to-business networking and mentorship.
She noted that the 2025 edition of the Rising Woman Initiative would go even further to support women entrepreneurs across the country. Doreen Atuheire, Head of Women in Business at dfcu Bank, revealed that the latest edition of the campaign is the most ambitious yet. It includes five regional trainings, a business proposal competition with a UGX 30 million prize, a Rising Woman Expo, a prestigious awards gala, and an all-expenses-paid mentorship trip. Atuheire emphasized that dfcu Bank is not only funding businesses but also investing in the ambition, resilience, and leadership of Uganda’s women.
Flavia Tumusiime Kabuura, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, applauded the partnership between dfcu and Monitor Publications. She highlighted the critical role media plays in giving visibility to women entrepreneurs and their ventures. She added that through increased media coverage and exposure, women are able to expand their networks, reach new markets, and significantly grow their businesses.
Participation in the campaign is free and open to businesses that are at least 50 percent female-owned, with a minimum of 30 percent of leadership or staff being women. The businesses must also be founded and actively led by a woman. However, previous Rising Woman winners are not eligible to resubmit. Proposal forms can be collected from any dfcu Bank branch, Daily Monitor office, or downloaded online via the dfcu Group website.
With Season 7 now underway, dfcu Bank’s Rising Woman Initiative continues to inspire and empower women across Uganda to rise, lead, and leave a lasting impact on the nation’s economy.
