dfcu Bank, in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, has crowned the winners of the Season 7 dfcu Rising Woman Awards 2025, recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are driving economic transformation across Uganda.
The national awards gala, held at dfcu Bank headquarters in Nakasero, brought together women entrepreneurs from across the country, alongside industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners, reinforcing a shared commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
Winners
Overall winner Melanie Joyce Nabukwasi received a UGX 15 million cash prize. She was followed by Lillian Doreen Najjemba of The Kitchen as first runner-up, taking UGX 10 million, while Tracy Ahumuza secured the second runner-up position with UGX 5 million.
The awards marked the culmination of Season 7 of the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a flagship national designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and financial support needed to build sustainable, scalable businesses.
Voices from the awards
Guest of Honour Dr Anna Nakanwagi Mukwaya, Country Director (Uganda) for the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, noted that while attention often falls on the top winners, the initiative’s campaign real impact reaches much further.
“Today, we celebrate the top 20 participants, but we must remember that the program has impacted thousands more,” she said.
She added that the winners stood out not only for ambition, but for taking action—something many aspiring entrepreneurs postpone.
Dr Mukwaya encouraged participants to apply lessons consistently, focus on detail, and build on the foundation of training, mentorship, and exposure gained through the programme.
Reaffirming dfcu Bank’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, said the Rising Woman Awards reflect the belief that when women thrive, families, communities, and economies prosper.
She highlighted dfcu’s longstanding role in supporting women entrepreneurs, dating back to 2007, when the bank launched the dfcu Women in Business (WiB) segment, one of the earliest women-focused initiatives led by a financial institution in Uganda.
Through WiB, dfcu has supported over 80,000 women entrepreneurs with training, financial literacy, advisory services, and tailored financing.
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Introduced in 2018, the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative has reached more than 60,000 women through practical business training, mentorship, proposal-writing support, and seed capital, helping small and medium enterprises grow into sustainable ventures, especially in sectors where women have historically faced barriers.
Dr Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, Project Coordinator for GROW, commended dfcu for supporting women long before gender inclusion became mainstream, noting the bank’s consistency and measurable impact. She encouraged the awardees to remain resilient through challenges, to pursue opportunities in sectors traditionally dominated by men, and to balance ambition with wellbeing.
“As you make the money, enjoy it. Dress well, go for that holiday,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.
Nation Media Group, Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, emphasised storytelling as a key driver of social change and empowerment.
“At NMG, our preference is to positively impact society, and through our partnership with dfcu for Rising Woman, we have been able to do exactly that,” she said, adding that NMG will continue amplifying women entrepreneurs’ stories to inspire others nationwide.
Keynote speaker Barbara Ofwono Buyondo, CEO of Victorious Education Services, urged entrepreneurs to pursue growth through continuous learning, responsible borrowing, and strong networks.
“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?”
A legacy of national development
The Rising Woman Awards build on dfcu Bank’s legacy, which dates back to 1964, when the institution was founded to support Uganda’s economic development. Over six decades later, dfcu has evolved into a leading commercial bank financing entrepreneurs, agribusinesses, SMEs, and large enterprises, with women positioned at the centre of inclusive growth.
Top 20 finalists (Season 7)
- Melanie Joyce Nabukwasi – Elgon-Sita Honey Coffee Dealers Ltd (1st)
- Najjemba Lillian Doreen – The Kitchen (2nd)
- Tracy Ahumuza – Breastmilk Storage Solutions (Atta Marie Foundation Ltd) (3rd)
- Hope Kayeny – Fro-textured Limited (4th)
- Joan Adakun Adong & Natasha Myreen Mulumba – Flip Avenue Limited (5th)
- Amanya Grace Namara – Nyanya Bora, Grabepha Ventures Ltd (6th)
- Kansiime Jessica – Adorn Beautyx Investments Ltd (7th)
- Nabutewa Elovinah – Jenda Coffee Masters Limited (8th)
- Nakawalya Patricia D.A. – Otic Group (9th)
- Gloria Nandudu – Yinyuka Specialty Coffee Company Limited (10th)
- Agnes Barbara Kobusingye – Dr. A Medical Wellness Centre (11th)
- Kulabako Winfred – Eva Milling Company Limited (12th)
- Juliet A. Ongodia – Agasia Consults (13th)
- Nambiro Agnes – Perfect Herbal Wakiso (14th)
- Nakayiza Eva – Chef’s Taste (15th)
- Nakazibwe Cate Kwagala – JAFEL Bread and Confectionery (16th)
- Sylvia Kiwanuka – Aspire 2 Inspire Innovations Ltd (17th)
- Martha Nabukwasi – Navy Innovations LLP (18th)
- Apio Esther – Tyweb Art (U) Limited (19th)
- Nabulime Damalie – Large-Scale Maggot Rearing for Poultry Farming (20th)
This year’s grand prize was UGX 30 million, which also includes an all-expenses-paid mentorship trip to Nairobi, Kenya.