The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Multipurpose Hall was abuzz with inspiration and energy as hundreds of women entrepreneurs from across Uganda gathered for the Centenary Bank Annual Women Enterprise Conference 2025, held under the theme “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Business Growth.”
The conference brought together leading voices in business, finance, and women’s empowerment, offering a platform for learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
In his keynote address, Paul Mugambe, Nakawa Division Mayor, commended Centenary Bank for its continued commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared a personal story about how a Centenary Bank loan at the age of 21 shaped his path to success.
“I am deeply grateful to Centenary Bank for organising this conference and for the pivotal role it plays in uplifting women and transforming lives,” he said. “I personally know the power of opportunity — at 21, a Centenary Bank loan helped shape my future. I believe none of you will leave this conference the same.”
Mugambe encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned, manage their businesses responsibly, and honour their loan commitments, reminding them that financial discipline is key to sustainable growth.
Commitment to Women’s Economic Growth
Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through both financial and non-financial solutions — including training, mentorship, and networking platforms.
“Our partnership with initiatives like the PSFU GROW Project demonstrates our belief in the transformative potential of women entrepreneurs,” he said. “Through this collaboration, over UGX 26 billion has been disbursed to more than 1,000 women-owned businesses across Uganda.”
Kasi urged women to “dream boldly, leverage partnerships, and embrace technology, collaboration, and continuous learning,” reaffirming Centenary Bank’s position as a trusted ally for women-led enterprises. “For over four decades, Centenary Bank has been at the forefront of advancing financial inclusion.”
He urged attendees to leverage the financial tools, training, and networks available to them, highlighting the bank’s investments in products and partnerships that enhance access to finance, promote financial literacy, and build business resilience among women entrepreneurs.
These include the Cente SupaWoman Account, offering benefits such as a 2% monthly interest rate, business linkage support, a dedicated relationship officer, and financial literacy training; and SupaWoman GROW Loans, which provide flexible, affordable financing at subsidised rates. The bank also extends specialised Agriculture Loans to women in agribusiness to boost productivity and profitability.
Beyond financing, Centenary Bank runs training programmes on business and financial management — including budgeting, record keeping, and digital finance — and operates over 8,000 CenteAgents nationwide to increase access to banking services.
“Enjoy your money too”
Delivering an uplifting message, Dr Ruth Aisha Kasolo, Project Coordinator of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) GROW Project, encouraged women to think big and transcend limiting beliefs.
“The GROW Project provides free training, apprenticeships, and infrastructural grants to help women scale their businesses,” she said. “Centenary Bank has been one of our top-performing partners, demonstrating excellence in reaching and serving women entrepreneurs.”
Adding a lighthearted yet empowering note, she reminded the women to celebrate their achievements: “Enjoy your money too; when you look good, you feel good, and you can negotiate better.”
Digitalisation and Networking
Daisy Owori, Co-Founder of Zimba Women, emphasised that digitalisation is key to unlocking market access and investment.
“Digital tools not only open markets but also prepare your business for funding. Women must invest in themselves, embrace technology, and ensure compliance to achieve sustainable growth,” she said, applauding Centenary Bank’s Supawoman product and its consistent support for women entrepreneurs.
Connie Kekihembo, CEO of UWEAL, highlighted collaboration as a vital growth driver. “No one thrives in isolation — collaboration amplifies strengths,” she said. “Building strong partnerships with Centenary Bank should remain a top priority for every entrepreneur.”
From ‘my bank’ to ‘my partner’
In an inspiring and emotional address, motivational speaker Damali Mukiibi encouraged women to nurture long-term relationships with their financial institutions.
“Let our financial DNA align with our chosen partner — Centenary Bank. Let’s move from ‘my bank’ to ‘my partner,’” she said, drawing parallels between lasting partnerships and successful banking relationships built on trust and commitment.
She urged women to take advantage of opportunities like the conference to connect, learn, and grow together.
Visibility is profitability
Brenda Ssekabembe, CEO of Bake 4 Me Ltd, shared her personal story of humble beginnings — starting her baking business 20 years ago with just UGX 25,000 borrowed from her father.
“Visibility is profitability,” she asserted. “Use your funds as intended, formalise your business, uphold honesty, and prioritise your customers. Every challenge you overcome strengthens your foundation.”
Ssekabembe expressed gratitude to Centenary Bank for its continued support, recalling the bank’s role in mentoring bakers through the Bakers’ Mentorship Conference.
Empowering Women, Building Legacies
Closing the event, Beatrice Lugalambi, Centenary Bank’s General Manager for Corporate Communications and Marketing, reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment.
“We will continue empowering you as Centenary Bank,” she said. “When women rise, communities thrive — and we are proud to walk this journey with you.”
The Annual Women Enterprise Conference 2025 once again underscored Centenary Bank’s leadership in advancing women’s economic inclusion and entrepreneurship. The event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking — reinforcing the message that empowered women are powerful catalysts for sustainable business growth in Uganda.
