By Enatu Steven
DFCU Bank, in partnership with Nation Media Group’s Monitor Publications Limited, has officially launched the 7th season of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a nationwide campaign designed to empower Ugandan women entrepreneurs with skills, networks, and resources to grow and sustain their businesses.
Season 7 of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative was unveiled yesterday the 29th April 2025 at a high-level event held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The initiative, launched in 2018, has directly impacted over 60,000 women and reached more than one million virtually, positioning itself as one of Uganda’s leading platforms for supporting female-led business growth.
This year’s edition will feature five regional trainings, a business proposal competition with a UGX 30 million prize pool, a Rising Woman Expo, an awards gala, and an all-expenses-paid mentorship trip for winners. Participation is free, but only businesses that are at least 50% female-owned, with a minimum of 30% women in leadership or staff, and actively led by a woman are eligible. Past winners are not allowed to resubmit.
Officiating the launch was Dr. Victoria Sekitoleko, former Minister of Agriculture and a respected leadership mentor.
In her keynote address, she praised the initiative’s long-standing focus on equipping women with tools to succeed.
“Every step a woman takes in building her business is a legacy for Uganda,” she said, urging participants to invest in themselves and uplift fellow women entrepreneurs.
Winnie Awino, a partner at S&L Advocates, also delivered a presentation on “Safeguarding Business Legacy”, offering practical legal advice on structuring and future-proofing businesses and estates.
Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Chairperson of the dfcu Women Business Advisory Council, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women-led enterprises through tailored financial products, mentorship, legal support, and exposure opportunities.
“Women are the backbone of Uganda. dfcu Rising Woman is here to amplify their voices and businesses,” she said.
Doreen Atuheire, Head of Women in Business at dfcu Bank, described Season 7 as more ambitious and impact-driven.
“We’re not just supporting businesses. We’re investing in dreams, resilience, and leadership,” she noted.
Flavia Tumusiime Kabuura, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group, highlighted the role of media in scaling up visibility for women entrepreneurs.
“This initiative helps women grow networks, access larger markets, and increase income,” she added.