dfcu Bank, in partnership with MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money Uganda, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda and The Innovation Village, has opened applications for the second cohort of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, an initiative aimed at accelerating economic opportunities for women-led businesses across the country.
The launch follows what partners described as the “strong impact” of the inaugural cohort, which over the past three years delivered procurement contracts worth UGX 18 billion to more than 40 women-led enterprises surpassing the programme’s original target of UGX 15 billion. MTN Uganda said the proportion of women-led suppliers in its ecosystem rose from 0.3% to 15% over the same period, marking a significant step in widening inclusive sourcing.
Launched in 2023 under MTN Uganda’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, AWE is designed to help women entrepreneurs compete in sectors traditionally dominated by men, including telecom infrastructure, digital services and green energy. In its first phase, 118 women-led enterprises received mentorship, training and financing support. Through dfcu Bank, more than UGX 1.6 billion in subsidised loans was unlocked for working capital, procurement readiness and expansion.

“We remain steadfast in empowering women entrepreneurs through practical financing solutions and business development support,” said Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank. “Through programmes like AWE, we are opening doors for women to enter high-value sectors such as technology, infrastructure and green energy. When women thrive, Uganda’s economy becomes stronger, more inclusive and more resilient.”

Applications for the second cohort are open until 20 December 2025 to women entrepreneurs operating in Northern, Eastern, Western and Central Uganda. The programme will target enterprises in information technology, network infrastructure, digital innovation, marketing, green and solar energy, facility management, commercial services and professional consulting.

To qualify, businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, have operated for at least one year and earn annual revenues of not less than UGX 60 million. Applicants are required to provide a tax compliance certificate and demonstrate active women-led management. Priority consideration will go to SMEs, youth-led enterprises (ages 23–35) and businesses owned by women with disabilities.
Partner organisations stressed the importance of women’s participation in Uganda’s economic transformation.
“AWE proves that the deliberate inclusion of women entrepreneurs drives measurable business and social value,” said Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda. “By integrating women into strategic projects from solar installations to digital solutions we are accelerating inclusive growth.”

Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, said empowering women-led enterprises is central to Uganda’s digital and infrastructure ambitions. “Through AWE, we provide both opportunities and technical mentorship,” she said.
Arthur Mukembo, CEO of FutureLab at The Innovation Village, added: “Women innovators fuel ecosystem growth and job creation. AWE ensures they have the tools and networks needed to scale.”
Successful applicants will receive access to procurement opportunities within MTN Uganda and partner networks, mentorship, business development support, ESG training, subsidised financing through dfcu Bank, free MTN Business Internet and entrepreneurship incubation.
Eligible women entrepreneurs can apply online at www.mtn.co.ug/awe. Required documents include a certificate of incorporation, proof of women ownership, financial statements, business registration details, a tax compliance certificate and a company profile.

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