The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) has concluded its 2026 Women in Leadership Programme, a five-day intensive training aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, confidence and influence among women working in Uganda’s financial sector and other industries.
The programme, held under the theme “Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence, Influence, and Impact”, 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, UIBFS Chief Executive Officer, represented by Director of Professional Development Dr. Kansiime Mary Nyende, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership through continuous professional training.
“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.”
Guest of Honour, Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, CEO of UTEL, commended both the participants and organisers, noting that such programmes 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 networks required to take their rightful place at leadership tables,” she said.
The programme featured a series of expert-led sessions focusing on real-world leadership challenges.
On Day One, participants were taken through Understanding Your Context, facilitated by Coach Rachel Dumba, Managing Partner and CEO of Steadman Global, who explored leadership in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment shaped by geopolitical shifts, technology disruption and evolving workplace demands.
Day Two focused on Accepting Yourself as a Leader, facilitated by Betty Ogiel, CEO of Initiative Solutions and President of the Maxwell Leadership Advisory Council, who encouraged participants to seize opportunities and act decisively in leadership spaces.
On Day Three, Coach Norah Bwaya led a session on Negotiating as a Leadership Practice, equipping participants with skills to influence decisions and build stronger professional relationships.
Day Four, facilitated by Jackie Namara Rukare, CEO of Iguru Consult, focused on Becoming an Influential Leader, challenging participants to build credibility, inspire trust and lead through influence rather than authority.
The final day, led by Coach Pamela Babirukamu, CEO and Co-Founder of Evolving Woman Uganda, explored Imagining Your Future Possibilities as a Leader, urging women to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs that often hinder leadership 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 this reflected a growing commitment within the private and public sectors to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.
Participants described the programme as transformative, citing its practical approach, interactive learning methods and relevance to workplace challenges.
At the close of the training, they pledged to apply the skills acquired to improve 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 within Uganda’s financial services sector.
