KCB Bank Uganda has intensified efforts to support women entrepreneurs with the launch of a new initiative aimed at breaking growth barriers and unlocking the full potential of female-led enterprises.
The Female-Led and Made Enterprises (FLME) proposition, unveiled at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, brings together financing, mentorship and market access into a single platform targeting women-owned businesses.
The launch attracted entrepreneurs, business leaders and development partners, reflecting growing recognition of the role women play in driving Uganda’s economic transformation.
Presiding over the event, Allen Kagina, chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council, described the initiative as a critical step toward inclusive growth.
She said many women entrepreneurs remain constrained by systemic barriers that limit their ability to expand and compete.
“Deliberate and structured interventions like this are exactly what is needed to unlock the full potential of women in business and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” Ms Kagina said.
The FLME programme goes beyond traditional banking by combining tailored financial solutions with enterprise development support through the KCB Foundation, as well as mentorship and access to business networks.
According to the bank, the initiative is designed to tackle persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, gaps in structured support and difficulties in scaling businesses.
It will also leverage partnerships with organisations such as Mkazipreneur, African Women in Processing and Nation Media Group’s Empower Her initiative to widen opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the launch, Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, said the initiative responds to a clear gap in the growth journey of women-led enterprises.
“We are not just offering financing. We are building an ecosystem that supports women to grow, scale and compete,” Mr Byamah said.
He added that aligning finance, capacity building and market access is key to unlocking sustainable business growth.
Women entrepreneurs at the event echoed the need for such support, pointing to challenges in accessing mentorship, networks and patient capital.
Among them, Lillian Namuli Akiki, an agribusiness owner from Malaba, said many women can start businesses but struggle to take them to the next level.
“The biggest challenge is not starting, it is growing. What makes this initiative different is that it connects you to the support systems that make growth possible,” she said.
KCB Bank said the FLME proposition underscores its broader commitment to financial inclusion and positions the lender as a long-term partner in advancing women-led enterprises.
With women playing an increasingly central role in Uganda’s economy, the bank’s latest move signals a shift toward more targeted and inclusive business support models.
