In the male-dominated landscape of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Stella Nabbale Mayanja emerges as a powerful force challenging industry norms and redefining success. Her story is not just about business; it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women and youth in Uganda.
With 20 years of banking experience, Stella transformed her expertise in debt collection into SLS Solutions International, a company that stands as a testament to female entrepreneurship. Her motivation was clear: to bring professionalism to an industry often perceived as aggressive and male-centric.
“We are very few women in this industry,” Stella explains. “But we are the best debt collectors in the world.” This bold statement encapsulates her approach – confident, strategic, and unapologetically ambitious. When she started, many doubted a woman could manage a debt collection firm. Many people are skeptical to believe women could handle collections effectively, but SLS Solutions has proved them wrong.
Stella’s leadership style is hands-on and performance-driven. She goes beyond traditional management by actively teaching, mentoring, and empowering those she leads. To date, she has employed over 100 individuals, with a strong focus on skill development and creating meaningful employment opportunities for Uganda’s youth. Under her guidance, SLS Solutions has also championed youth empowerment through the Empower Ug Mentorship Series, which has equipped over 300 young people with essential soft skills to help them thrive in the modern workforce.
Stella’s accomplishments underscore her transformative leadership in Uganda’s business landscape. As Vice Chairperson of the BPO Association in Uganda and recipient of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda 2023 Award: Best Woman-Owned Company , she is not only breaking barriers but also redefining the role of women in the tech-driven economy. Recognizing the potential of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector to address unemployment, Stella advocates for its expansion as a strategic solution. This is particularly significant given that Uganda’s youth unemployment rate stood at 4.5% in 2023, with women facing higher unemployment rates than men—14% compared to 10%—highlighting the need for targeted interventions . Through her leadership, Stella is championing inclusive growth, creating opportunities that bridge the skills gap and empower thousands to enter the workforce with confidence.
“When a woman touches a business, it will always prosper,” she asserts. Her vision extends beyond personal success – she wants to position Uganda as a premier BPO destination, leveraging the country’s young workforce and favorable time zones.
To young women aspiring to enter the outsourcing space, Stella’s message is powerful: “Let us not fear business. Let us be strong. Let us be confident.” She emphasizes that women bring unique strengths – empathy, organization, and a holistic approach to management.
As Uganda’s BPO sector continues to grow, Stella Nabbale stands at the forefront, inspiring a new generation of women to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create their own success stories.