Uganda’s Leading Women Entrepreneurs Recognized at dfcu Rising Woman Awards 2025

Kampala, Uganda, Friday, December 5, 2025 – dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has announced the winners of the Season 7 dfcu Rising Woman Awards. This national campaign aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the knowledge, networks, and resources they need to thrive.

The awards gala was held at dfcu Headquarters in Nakasero, bringing together women entrepreneurs from across the country. This year’s top three winners were: Melanie Joyce Nabukwasi, who emerged as the overall winner and received a UGX 15 million cash prize, Najjemba Lillian Doreen from The Kitchen, the first runner-up, who received a UGX 10 million cash prize and Tracy Ahumuza, the second runner-up, who received a UGX 5 million cash prize.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, Project Coordinator – GROW and the Guest of Honour, commended dfcu Bank for its longstanding leadership in supporting women.

“Being a woman is not an easy task, but it is rewarding and fulfilling,” she said, thanking dfcu Bank for entrusting women with top leadership and championing women’s empowerment long before many other institutions did.
She noted that although many organisations support women, dfcu Bank continues to stand out for its commitment and impact.
Addressing the awardees, she reminded them that the journey ahead demands resilience. There will be moments when the path feels difficult, but they are not alone, many women have walked it before and emerged stronger, and they too will overcome.

She encouraged them not to shy away from sectors traditionally dominated by men, stressing that with confidence and self-belief, they can succeed anywhere.
Dr. Kasolo also urged the women to embrace both ambition and wellbeing. As they work hard and grow their businesses, they should remember to celebrate life and take care of themselves.

“As you make the money, enjoy it. Dress well, go for that holiday,” she said.
Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting that when women thrive, families, communities, and economies prosper. She highlighted dfcu’s longstanding dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs, beginning with the launch of the dfcu Women in Business program in 2007, one of Uganda’s earliest initiatives led by a financial institution for women, which has since equipped over 80,000 entrepreneurs with skills, financial literacy, advisory services, and tailored financing.

Ann Nakanwagi Mukwaya, the Country Director (Uganda) for the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, said:
“Today, we celebrate the top 20 participants, but we must remember that the program has impacted thousands more.”
She noted that the winners dared to dream and, most importantly, took action, something many aspiring entrepreneurs delay for years. She added that even those who did not make it to the top 10 gained valuable training, mentorship and exposure, opportunities that many entrepreneurs never receive.
Mukwaya encouraged all participants to make use of the strong foundation they have received by revisiting their lessons, applying them consistently and paying attention to detail, as these principles are essential for long-term success.

Representing Nation Media Group (NMG), Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social transformation and women’s economic empowerment.
“At NMG, our preference is to positively impact society, and we are glad to say that through our partnership with dfcu for Rising Woman, we have been able to positively impact society,” Nsibirwa said. “On behalf of NMG, I reaffirm our commitment to this initiative through our platforms.”
The keynote speaker Barbara Ofwono Buyondo, CEO of Victorious Education Services, urged entrepreneurs to take deliberate steps toward growth and to invest in skilling.

“I was once in the place where you are,” she said. “You are the master of your business. How will you guide others when you do not know?”
She encouraged women to borrow responsibly and to rely on networks for support. “Business leaders, it’s lonely up there,” she added. “Join groups—you will progress so fast.”

In 2018, dfcu introduced the Rising Women initiative, which has reached more than 60,000 women with practical training, mentorship, proposal-writing support, and seed capital, driving the growth of sustainable enterprises.

The top 20 finalists in Season 7 included:
1. Melanie Joyce Nabukwasi from Elgon-Sita Honey Coffee Dealers Ltd (1st place)
2. Najjemba Lillian Doreen from The Kitchen (2nd place)
3. Tracy Ahumuza from Breastmilk Storage Solutions (Atta Marie Foundation Ltd) (3rd place)
4. Hope Kayeny from Fro-textured Limited (4th place)
5. Joan Adakun Adong & Natasha Myreen Mulumba from Flip Avenue Limited (5th place)
6. Amanya Grace Namara from Nyanya Bora, Grabepha Ventures Ltd (6th place)
7. Kansiime Jessica from Adorn Beautyx Investments Ltd (7th place)
8. Nabutewa Elovinah from Jenda Coffee Masters Limited (8th place)
9. Nakawalya Patricia D.A. from Otic Group (9th place)
10. Gloria Nandudu from Yinyuka Specialty Coffee Company Limited (10th place)
11. Agnes Barbara Kobusingye from Dr. A Medical Wellness Centre (11th place)
12. Kulabako Winfred from Eva Milling Company Limited (12th place)
13. Juliet A Ongodia from Agasia Consults (13th place)
14. Nambiro Agnes from Perfect Herbal Wakiso (14th place)
15. Nakayiza Eva from Chef’s Taste (15th place)
16. Nakazibwe Cate Kwagala from JAFEL Bread and Confectionery (16th place)
17. Sylvia Kiwanuka from Aspire 2 Inspire Innovations Ltd (17th place)
18. Martha Nabukwasi from Navy Innovations LLP (18th place)
19. Apio Esther from Tyweb Art (U) Limited (19th place)
20. Nabulime Damalie from Large-Scale Maggot Rearing for Poultry Farming (20th place)