Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned 100 students into the fifth cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), bringing the total number of scholars enrolled since the programme started in Uganda to 512.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Kampala on Friday, also marked the graduation of 81 scholars from the pioneer 2022 cohort who have completed university studies in disciplines including engineering, statistics, law, and other professional fields.
The students admitted into the latest cohort were selected based on outstanding performance in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, Gift Shoko, said the programme is designed to nurture young leaders capable of contributing to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
He said the initiative goes beyond supporting academic excellence by equipping students with mentorship, leadership training, and exposure to global opportunities.
“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 be intentional about personal growth, discipline, and decision-making as they prepare for professional life.
Since its launch in Uganda in January 2022, the programme has supported hundreds of high-performing students by providing access to higher education opportunities, mentorship, and career development pathways.
The graduation of the pioneer cohort was described as a major milestone for the programme, with several graduates already making progress in their respective professions.
The Director of Operations at Equity Group Foundation, Joanne Korir, said the programme continues to expose young people to the corporate world while nurturing their leadership potential.
Korir said ELP equips scholars with critical thinking, leadership, business, and life skills needed to transform communities.
“This program equips scholars with critical thinking, business acumen, leadership, and life skills, transforming both individuals and communities,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of planning, self-leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence in career growth and leadership development.
The Director of Public Sector and Social Investment, Catherine Psomgen, said the programme identifies and nurtures transformative leaders from across Uganda.
Psomgen noted that scholars benefit from leadership training, mentorship, and practical experiences that prepare them for life beyond school.
“This mentorship journey is intended to shape students into transformative leaders,” she said.
She added that the programme supports students throughout their academic journey, including guidance on international university applications and career development.
One of the graduating scholars, Victor Nuwaga, described the programme as life-changing.
“The Equity Leaders Program has been life-changing. Beyond financial support, it gave me mentorship, confidence, and a network of peers who inspire me every day,” he said.
Another scholar, Christabel Nabukenya Babirye, said access to mentorship and financial systems can unlock opportunities for young people regardless of their background.
“Every student in this room has potential,” she said, encouraging fellow scholars to use their opportunities to positively impact society.
The guest of honour, Patrick Muinda, commended Equity Bank Uganda for investing in young talent and promoting innovation.
Muinda urged scholars to use education not only for personal success but also to create a meaningful impact within their communities.
Equity Group Foundation Board Director Sam Bwaya> praised the scholars for completing the induction programme and encouraged them to embrace selflessness and community service.
“The ELP scholars exemplify our commitment to driving socio-economic growth across Africa,” Bwaya said.
He also challenged the students to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence as ambassadors of the programme.
Delivering a keynote message on behalf of Equity Group chief executive James Mwangi, Non-Executive Board Director of Equity Bank Uganda, Henry Rugaamba said opportunity and mentorship can transform lives regardless of background or circumstance.
“Excellence is not determined by geography, background, or circumstance. It exists in every community,” he said.
The Equity Leaders Program is implemented by the Equity Group Foundation in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The programme combines leadership training, mentorship, coaching, networking, and university counselling to prepare top-performing secondary school graduates for leadership roles across Africa.
Under the initiative, scholars undertake paid internships lasting between three and six months at Equity Bank, where they gain practical experience across different departments while receiving a monthly stipend.
Participants also receive continued mentorship throughout their university education to support their academic and professional growth.
The programme further offers college counselling services, including support in essay writing, university applications and examination preparation.
Some former scholars have secured fully funded scholarships to international institutions including Harvard University, New York University, University of Waterloo and Moscow Aviation Institute.
The Equity Group Foundation, established in 2008 as the social investment arm of Equity Group Holdings, supports programmes in education, innovation, financial inclusion, agriculture, health, energy, enterprise development and social protection across Africa.
