News
Over 50 female bankers, regulators graduate from leadership programme
The graduates, drawn from commercial banks, insurance companies, regulatory institutions and other financial sector organisations, completed the Women in Leadership programme organised by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS).
Over 55 women bankers and financial sector regulators pose for a group photo after graduating from a leadership programme at Protea Hotel on June 20, 2026. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Rhyman Agaba, Journalist @New Vision
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A total of 55 women from Uganda's banking and financial services sector, including regulators, have graduated from a leadership development programme. The training aimed to equip them with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to advance to senior leadership positions.
The graduates, drawn from commercial banks, insurance companies, regulatory institutions and other financial sector organisations, completed the Women in Leadership programme organised by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS).
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held on June 20, 2026, at Protea Hotel in Kampala, UIBFS acting chief executive officer Dr Mary Kansiime challenged the participants to embrace leadership with confidence, authenticity and purpose.
Dr Mary Kansiime, Acting CEO, Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), delivers remarks during the graduation ceremony. (Courtesy Photo)
"As we gather to celebrate this remarkable group of women, I am reminded that leadership is not just a title but a journey of discovery, courage, influence and impact,"
Kansiime said.
She noted that the five-day programme was designed to help women recognise their leadership potential, overcome self-doubt and build the confidence needed to pursue leadership opportunities.
"The programme began with a powerful invitation to accept yourself as a leader. Before others can believe in your leadership, you must first believe in it yourself," she said.
Kansiime said participants explored their strengths, challenged limiting beliefs and confronted imposter syndrome, which often prevents capable women from fully recognising their abilities.
She added that the training also focused on navigating organisational dynamics, building strategic relationships, strengthening executive presence, improving communication skills and enhancing emotional intelligence.
"In today's world, influence often matters more than authority. The leaders who create lasting impact are those who inspire trust, build alliances and bring others along on the journey," she said.
The ceremony was held under the theme, "Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence, Influence and Impact."
Envisioning the future
One of the programme facilitators, leadership coach Pamela Babirukamu, said the final session focused on helping participants envision their future leadership journeys and develop practical roadmaps for achieving their aspirations.
"We were helping leaders think about future possibilities, where they want to be in the next 10 years and how they intend to get there," Babirukamu said.
She observed that many women continue to face barriers such as imposter syndrome, societal expectations and self-imposed limitations that can hinder career progression.
"Women have so much potential. We believe everyone is inherently meant for greatness, but it can only be called out. Our role was to help participants recognise that greatness and pursue it intentionally," she said.
Babirukamu praised the women-only format of the programme, saying it created a safe environment where participants could openly discuss challenges unique to women in leadership.
"Women often feel intimidated or reluctant to express themselves fully in mixed settings. Having a women-centred programme allows them to engage more freely and address issues that specifically affect their leadership journeys," she added.
Life-changing opportunity
Among the graduates was Lyn Tukei, head of public relations and communications at the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), who represented a financial sector regulator and described the programme as life-changing.
Tukei said one of the key lessons she learned was that leadership begins with self-awareness and personal growth.
"A leadership role for a woman is an opportunity to change society and communities. But most importantly, leadership starts with self. If you cannot lead yourself, it becomes difficult to lead others," she said.
She highlighted networking, mentorship and personal development as critical ingredients for career advancement.
"Many women work hard but struggle with visibility. You need to invest in yourself, build relationships, create social capital and seek mentors who can guide and challenge you," Tukei said.
She also called for the programme to be expanded to reach more women across the country, including through online platforms.
"I hope this course can be extended to other parts of Uganda because every young woman, every manager and every aspiring leader can benefit from this kind of training," she said.
Revisiting ambitions
Another graduate, Dorcus Namara Kuhimbiisa, Chief Operations Officer at Jubilee Insurance Company Uganda, said the programme inspired her to revisit ambitions she had previously put aside.
"It has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Some of the dreams I had growing up were shelved along the way, and this training has reignited my determination to pursue them," she said.
Namara urged fellow women leaders to move beyond inspiration and take practical action toward achieving their goals.
"Many times, we attend trainings, listen to great leaders and fill notebooks with ideas, but we do not take action. What matters is implementing what we have learned and remaining committed to our goals," she said.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the 55 graduates, marking the completion of what organisers described as a transformative leadership journey aimed at strengthening female leadership within Uganda's financial sector.
Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, who was the chief guest at the graduation, is the CEO of Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTeL) and a seasoned telecom executive with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and business growth across Uganda’s telecom sector.
Both Mukiibi and Dr Kansiime handed over certificates of excellence to the graduates.
Mukiibi lauded the participants for their dedication, recognised their institutions for investing in women's leadership and commended UIBFS for creating a platform that empowers women to lead with purpose.
She noted that "Programs such as this are not only timely but necessary. They equip women with the confidence, strategic perspective, executive presence, and networks required to take their rightful place at leadership tables."
During her remarks, Mukiibi reminded the ladies that “This is not the end—it is the launch of leaders who will transform institutions, communities, and the future of our continent. Step forward boldly. The world is ready for you.”
Mukiibi advised the women leaders to continue engaging, growing, and supporting one another as a community of emerging leaders.
“Remember, leadership is not defined by a certificate or title; it is demonstrated through the positive influence we have on others, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the commitment to create lasting impact, “Mukiibi explained.
The ceremony was held under the theme, "Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence, Influence and Impact."
Envisioning the future
One of the programme facilitators, leadership coach Pamela Babirukamu, said the final session focused on helping participants envision their future leadership journeys and develop practical roadmaps for achieving their aspirations.
"We were helping leaders think about future possibilities, where they want to be in the next 10 years and how they intend to get there," Babirukamu said.
She observed that many women continue to face barriers such as imposter syndrome, societal expectations and self-imposed limitations that can hinder career progression.
"Women have so much potential. We believe everyone is inherently meant for greatness, but it can only be called out. Our role was to help participants recognise that greatness and pursue it intentionally," she said.
Babirukamu praised the women-only format of the programme, saying it created a safe environment where participants could openly discuss challenges unique to women in leadership.
"Women often feel intimidated or reluctant to express themselves fully in mixed settings. Having a women-centred programme allows them to engage more freely and address issues that specifically affect their leadership journeys," she added.
Life-changing opportunity
Among the graduates was Lyn Tukei, head of public relations and communications at the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), who represented a financial sector regulator and described the programme as life-changing.
Lyn Tukei, head of public relations and communications at the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) posing for a photo with her certificate. (Courtesy)
Tukei said one of the key lessons she learned was that leadership begins with self-awareness and personal growth.
"A leadership role for a woman is an opportunity to change society and communities. But most importantly, leadership starts with self. If you cannot lead yourself, it becomes difficult to lead others," she said.
She highlighted networking, mentorship and personal development as critical ingredients for career advancement.
"Many women work hard but struggle with visibility. You need to invest in yourself, build relationships, create social capital and seek mentors who can guide and challenge you," Tukei said.
She also called for the programme to be expanded to reach more women across the country, including through online platforms.
"I hope this course can be extended to other parts of Uganda because every young woman, every manager and every aspiring leader can benefit from this kind of training," she said.
Revisiting ambitions
Another graduate, Dorcus Namara Kuhimbiisa, Chief Operations Officer at Jubilee Insurance Company Uganda, said the programme inspired her to revisit ambitions she had previously put aside.
"It has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Some of the dreams I had growing up were shelved along the way, and this training has reignited my determination to pursue them," she said.
Namara urged fellow women leaders to move beyond inspiration and take practical action toward achieving their goals.
"Many times, we attend trainings, listen to great leaders and fill notebooks with ideas, but we do not take action. What matters is implementing what we have learned and remaining committed to our goals," she said.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the 55 graduates, marking the completion of what organisers described as a transformative leadership journey aimed at strengthening female leadership within Uganda's financial sector.
Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, who was the chief guest at the graduation, is the CEO of Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTeL) and a seasoned telecom executive with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and business growth across Uganda’s telecom sector.
Both Mukiibi and Dr Kansiime handed over certificates of excellence to the graduates.
Mukiibi lauded the participants for their dedication, recognised their institutions for investing in women's leadership and commended UIBFS for creating a platform that empowers women to lead with purpose.
She noted that "Programs such as this are not only timely but necessary. They equip women with the confidence, strategic perspective, executive presence, and networks required to take their rightful place at leadership tables."
During her remarks, Mukiibi reminded the ladies that “This is not the end—it is the launch of leaders who will transform institutions, communities, and the future of our continent. Step forward boldly. The world is ready for you.”
Mukiibi advised the women leaders to continue engaging, growing, and supporting one another as a community of emerging leaders.
“Remember, leadership is not defined by a certificate or title; it is demonstrated through the positive influence we have on others, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the commitment to create lasting impact, “Mukiibi explained.