dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has officially launched Season 7 of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a flagship national campaign dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources needed to succeed.
Unveiled at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala, the 2025 edition builds on a remarkable legacy. Since its inception in 2018, the Rising Woman Initiative has uplifted more than 60,000 women through in-person engagements and reached over one million virtually, cementing its status as one of Uganda’s most influential platforms for women-led business transformation.
Celebrating Opportunity and Legacy
The event’s chief guest, Dr Victoria Sekitoleko, former Minister for Agriculture and Board Member at Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) charged with Agriculture and Agribusiness, spoke passionately about the transformative 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 reflected.
Dr Sekitoleko praised the Rising Woman Initiative for recognising women as central drivers of Uganda’s economic future, providing them with the tools and community needed to rise. Declaring Season 7 officially open, she urged women entrepreneurs to “invest in yourself and your fellow businesswomen, because every step forward you take is a legacy for Uganda.”
Practical Strategies for Business Growth
Delivering the keynote address, Winnie Awino, a partner at S&L Advocates, presented on the importance of safeguarding business legacies. She shared practical strategies on legal structures, estate planning, and future-proofing both personal and business assets with over 100 businesswomen in attendance.
Dr Gudula Naiga Basaza, Chairperson of the dfcu Women Business Advisory Council, underscored dfcu’s historic commitment to women’s empowerment.
“Women are the backbone of Uganda—nurturers of families, transformers of communities, and drivers of economic growth. From market stalls to boardrooms, their impact is profound. dfcu Rising Woman exists to amplify their stories,” she said.
She highlighted how dfcu became Uganda’s first bank to offer a women-focused banking proposition in 2007 through the Women in Business (WiB) Program—long before gender-lens investing became a global trend.
The WiB Program has since evolved into a dynamic ecosystem offering: tailored financial solutions, business training and advisory services, legal and leadership coaching, B2B linkages and exposure and media profiling and mentorship opportunities.
“This year’s Rising Woman edition delivers all that and more. Our message to Uganda’s women entrepreneurs is clear: Let’s Go Further Together,” she added.
An Ambitious and Impact-Driven 2025 Edition
Doreen Atuheire, Head of Women in Business at dfcu Bank, outlined the 2025 campaign’s expanded activities: 5 Regional Trainings, Business Proposal Competition with UGX 30 million in prize money, Rising Woman Expo, Awards Gala and All-Expenses-Paid Mentorship Trip.
“We’re not just funding businesses; we’re investing in ambition, resilience, and leadership. To every woman who dares to dream and build, dfcu believes in you,” Atuheire affirmed.
Flavia Tumusiime Kabuura, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, emphasised the media’s role in promoting the socioeconomic advancement of women.
She highlighted how media platforms help grow women’s networks, expand market access, and boost income through increased visibility. “This initiative allows women to grow their networks and reach bigger markets, which boosts their income and grows their businesses,” she noted.
Eligibility and Participation
Participation in the Rising Woman Initiative is free. To qualify, businesses must: have at least 50% female ownership, have at least 30% women in leadership or staff roles and be founded and actively led by a woman.
Previous Rising Woman winners are not eligible to resubmit. Proposal forms are available at dfcu Bank branches, Daily Monitor offices, or online via www.dfcugroup.com/rising-woman-initiative.
