Women bankers tipped on scaling management levels

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Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has cautioned women in middle and senior management positions against being sexually exploited.

"Let us be mindful of the existential pitfalls that litter our career paths. Sexual exploitation, misogyny, commodification, stereotyping, to mention a few. I urge you to have a high sense of awareness of your surroundings so as to avoid falling victim to these pitfalls," Among said in a speech. The speech was read on her behalf by Parliament finance committee chairperson Amos Kakunda.

The Speaker advised women not to suffer in silence but to speak out to get help to safeguard their mental health.

She made the call as a chief guest during the opening of the second edition of the Women in Banking and Finance Conference, themed: Accelerating Women's Leadership in Banking and Finance, at Protea Hotel in Kampala city on May 9, 2025.

The Speaker tipped women on leadership skills, saying they should be decisive in action and decision-making.

“Be decisive in your decision making. Procrastination is a destiny destroyer. Get things done in time,” said Among.

Selflessness is the way

The Speaker told women that as they ascend the ladder of seniority, they should exercise a fair degree of selflessness to mentor and uplift fellow women who are juniors. Remember, it’s quite lonely at the top. You need both followers and colleagues. As a leader, transform your subordinates’ followers,” she said.

The Speaker praised the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services, Uganda Bankers Association, Women Economic Empowerment Initiative for organising the conference and selecting the theme, saying it befits the government’s commitment to gender parity and deepening financial inclusion.

In her paper: Breaking Barriers: strategies for advancing senior leadership positions, the Speaker told the participants that she is a strong believer in lighting a fellow woman's candle despite male domination in leadership positions.

Julia Baggya, manager of small and medium enterprises at Centenary Bank, addressing participants during the opening of the women's conference in banking and finance at Protea Hotel in Kampala on May 9, 2025. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

“As women, we need to light each other's candles so that we are able to shine collectively,” Among stated.

She pointed out that male domination of the banking and finance sector needs no emphasis.

“It is akin to male domination in politics. This leaves us, women, with our work truly cut out. We either pull together to support each other to collectively thrive, or we lag behind,” she added. 

The Speaker narrated that her story of success is dependent upon 3As (AAA), namely: Attitude, Aptitude and Altitude.

She explained to participants that the way one feels about himself/herself is what shapes one’s behaviour.

“This is a gist of attitude. A positive attitude is a crucial recipe for positive outcomes. With a positive attitude comes your ability to get things done. Women, let us shape our ability to efficiently and effectively execute tasks. Aptitude is the natural ability to get things done,” said Among.

She advised the women to build themselves through knowledge and intellectual growth, and do regular physical exercise as well as embrace good nutrition habits to maintain positive mental health.

The Speaker called on women to soar together through mentorship, information sharing, sisterhood and networking.

Create impact

Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services chief executive officer, Goretti Massade, implored women to create impact in leadership positions.

She pointed out that the banking sector is the engine of the country’s economic growth. Massade pointed out that the conference theme is a call to action and a reflection of the urgency for women to make progress in the banking and financial sector.

"We live in a time of rapid transformation—digitally, economically and socially. If we are to build resilient, future-forward financial institutions, we must invest in women not just as contributors but as leaders," Massade said.

UN Women country representative, Dr Pauline Chiwangu, agreed with the Speaker, saying sexual exploitation is real and should be combated.

She emphasised the need to review institutional policies to bridge the gap in leadership positions and called on women to lobby Members of Parliament to review the policies that disadvantage women.

Patricia Amito Lutwama, the head of communications and corporate affairs at the Ugandan Bankers Association, emphasised the need to unlock women's potential if they are to rise to the senior management level.