UIBFS concludes Women in Leadership Programme, calls for bold and confident female leaders
The programme featured a series of expert-led sessions focused on addressing real-world leadership challenges
KAMPALA, June 25, 2026 — The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services [ UIBFS ] has concluded its 2026 Women in Leadership Programme, a five-day intensive training initiative aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, confidence and influence among women working in Uganda’s financial sector and other industries.
Held under the theme “Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence, Influence and Impact”, the programme brought together female professionals from various institutions for practical sessions designed to sharpen leadership skills, build resilience and prepare participants for senior decision-making roles.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the UIBFS Chief Executive Officer, represented by the Director of Professional Development, Dr Mary Kansiime Nyende, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership through continuous professional development.
“This programme was intentionally designed to help women embrace leadership with confidence, clarity and authenticity,” she said.
“It begins with a powerful invitation to accept yourself as a leader because, before others can believe in your leadership, you must first believe in it yourself.”
The Guest of Honour, Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited [TEL], commended both participants and organisers, noting that such initiatives remain critical in addressing leadership gaps.
She said women continue to make significant contributions across the economy but remain underrepresented in senior leadership and decision-making positions.
“Programmes such as this are not only timely but necessary. They equip women with confidence, strategic thinking, executive presence and the networks required to take their rightful place at leadership tables,” she said.
The programme featured a series of expert-led sessions focused on addressing real-world leadership challenges.
On the opening day, participants attended a session on Understanding Your Context, facilitated by Coach Rachel Dumba, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Steadman Global. The session explored leadership in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous [VUCA] environment shaped by geopolitical shifts, technological disruption and evolving workplace demands.
Day Two focused on Accepting Yourself as a Leader, led by Betty Ogiel, Chief Executive Officer of Initiative Solutions and President of the Maxwell Leadership Advisory Council. Participants were encouraged to seize opportunities and act decisively in leadership spaces.
On Day Three, Coach Norah Bwaya facilitated a session on Negotiating as a Leadership Practice, equipping participants with skills to influence decisions and build stronger professional relationships.
Day Four featured Jackie Namara Rukare, Chief Executive Officer of Iguru Consult, who led discussions on Becoming an Influential Leader, challenging participants to build credibility, inspire trust and lead through influence rather than authority.
The final day, facilitated by Coach Pamela Babirukamu, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Evolving Woman Uganda, explored Imagining Your Future Possibilities as a Leader, encouraging participants to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs that often hinder career progression.
The programme attracted stakeholders from across the financial and corporate sectors, including the Capital Markets Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Uganda Securities Exchange, Sanlam Allianz, Jubilee Life, Centenary Bank, Ecobank Uganda, DFCU Bank, Equity Bank, DTB, UGAFODE Microfinance, C-Care and TotalEnergies, among others.
Organisers said the programme, which ran from June 15 to 19 at Protea Hotel in Kampala, reflected a growing commitment within both the public and private sectors to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.
Participants described the training as transformative, citing its practical approach, interactive learning methods and relevance to workplace challenges.
At the close of the programme, they pledged to apply the skills acquired to strengthen leadership performance within their organisations, mentor other women and promote inclusive leadership practices.
UIBFS said the successful completion of the programme underscores its ongoing commitment to developing future-ready leaders and strengthening leadership capacity across Uganda’s financial services sector.
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