Over 5000 female entrepreneurs in Uganda will benefit from the second edition of Rising Women Initiative organised by Monitor publications limited, DFCU Bank and Uganda investment authority (UIA).
The initiative started last year under the theme ‘taking your business a head’ is meant to recognise, celebrate and promote a culture of mentorship among women in business in Uganda.
It targets Ugandan business women, small scale investors, and entrepreneurs, members of Uganda entrepreneurs association limited, Uganda small scale industries association and Uganda manufacturers association.
Speaking at launch, the chief executive officer Mathias Katamba regarded the initiative as a fundamental step on the path to creating a financial enabling environment for female entrepreneurs.
“As a financial institution that believes in building thriving communities, DFCU embarked on a journey to creating an enabling environment for small and medium women owned enterprises started in 2007, with the introduction of the women in business program. Our primary motivation is the fact that despite women making up to over 52 per cent of the population of Uganda, it is not reflected in the ratio of women who have access to financial services.”
He announced the call for business proposals through the bank’s website which will begin the contention for the to 10 business idea. “Like we did last year, we will reward the top three business submission with monetary funding and an all-expense paid learning tour to Nairobi.”
Johnson Omolo, the general manager of NTV Uganda said as a media house, they have a critical role to play in society by providing a platform through which ideas that are geared to improving he lives of people in different spheres.
“It is our responsibility to pass on information to those who need it be it our customers or not. We call upon all women to look out for the inspirational and impactful stories of fellow successful women entrepreneurs in the full women magazine,” he said.
The acting director of Uganda investment authority (UIA), Lawrence Byensi said the body’s alliance with DFCU Bank and Nation Media Group will widen efforts as an agency devoted to driving national economic growth and development in partnership with the private sector.
He encouraged them to write proposals from which the top three winners will walk away with Shs15 million, Shs10 million and Shs5 million respectively.
