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By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned 100 top-performing students into its flagship Equity Leaders Program (ELP), marking another milestone in the bank’s growing investment in youth leadership and higher education across Uganda.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Kampala on Friday, also celebrated the graduation of 81 students from the program’s maiden 2022 cohort, bringing the total number of scholars who have passed through the initiative to 512 since its launch in Uganda four years ago.
The newly admitted scholars were selected based on their exceptional performance in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations and will now begin a structured mentorship and leadership development journey under the Equity Leaders Program.
Speaking during the event, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the initiative is aimed at grooming a new generation of ethical and innovative leaders capable of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
“Through the Equity Leaders Program, we are not only supporting academic excellence but also nurturing leaders who will drive innovation, integrity and sustainable growth for Uganda,” Shoko said.
He urged the scholars to embrace discipline and intentional decision-making as they transition into university and professional life, noting that the future would largely be shaped by the choices they make today.
The program, which was launched in Uganda in January 2022 under the Equity Group Foundation, provides scholars with mentorship, leadership training, paid internships and support for local and international university applications.
Since its inception, the initiative has expanded steadily, positioning itself as one of the region’s notable private-sector education and leadership development programs.
This year’s graduation of the pioneer cohort was hailed as a major achievement for the program, with graduates completing studies in disciplines such as engineering, law, statistics and other professional fields at universities across Uganda.
Dr. Joanne Korir, Director Operations Equity Group Foundation said the continued growth of the initiative demonstrates the impact of investing in young people through mentorship and exposure to the corporate world.
“This program equips scholars with critical thinking, business acumen, leadership and life skills, transforming both individuals and communities,” she said.
Dr. Korir emphasized the importance of personal development, communication skills and emotional intelligence in shaping future leaders, adding that innovation and strategic planning remain essential for success in today’s competitive environment.
Also speaking at the event, Catherine Psomgen, Director Public Sector and Social Investment at Equity Group Foundation said the program goes beyond rewarding academic excellence by preparing students for life after school through mentorship and practical experiences.
“This mentorship journey is intended to shape students into transformative leaders,” she said, adding that scholars are supported throughout their academic and professional journeys, including guidance on global university applications and career pathways.
The event also featured testimonies from beneficiaries of the program, many of whom credited ELP with transforming their outlook and ambitions.
One of the graduating scholars, Victor Nuwaga, described the initiative as life-changing.
“Beyond financial support, it gave me mentorship, confidence and a network of peers who inspire me every day,” he said. “I am proud to be part of a community that is committed to giving back and shaping Uganda’s future.”
Another scholar, Christabel Nabukenya Babirye, highlighted the importance of inclusion and equal opportunity in unlocking the potential of young people regardless of background.
“Every student in this room has potential,” she said, encouraging fellow scholars to use the opportunities they receive to create impact within their communities.
Representing the government as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Patrick Muinda, Commissioner for Library, E-Learning and Information Technology in the Ministry of Education and Sports commended Equity Bank Uganda for investing in youth empowerment and innovation.
He said leadership must be rooted in service and responsibility, urging the scholars to use education as a tool for community transformation rather than personal advancement alone.
Meanwhile, Equity Group Foundation Board of Director Sam Bwaya applauded the students for successfully completing the one-week induction process and challenged them to uphold integrity, excellence and selflessness.
“The ELP scholars exemplify our commitment to driving socio-economic growth across Africa,” he said.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Equity Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank Uganda Non-Executive Board Director Henry Rugaamba said talent exists in every community and only requires opportunity and mentorship to flourish.
“Excellence is not determined by geography, background or circumstance,” he said. “When opportunity is provided, young people rise to their full potential.”
The Equity Leaders Program currently operates in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo under the Equity Group Foundation. Scholars admitted into the program undergo a three-to-six-month paid internship at Equity Bank, where they receive hands-on experience across different departments while earning a monthly stipend.
Participants also benefit from a two-month college counseling program that provides guidance on university applications, essay writing and examination preparation for institutions both within Africa and abroad.
According to the foundation, several past scholars have secured fully funded scholarships to globally recognized institutions, including Harvard University, New York University, University of Waterloo and Moscow Aviation Institute.
The program forms part of Equity Group Foundation’s broader mission to promote socio-economic transformation through education, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, health and technology initiatives across Africa. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
