KCB Bank Uganda has reinforced its commitment to sustainable community development through a comprehensive initiative at Kololo Secondary School aimed at equipping students with the tools, knowledge and support needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
The initiative brought together KCB Bank Uganda staff, school administrators and students in a programme that combined financial literacy training, account opening, menstrual health support, fruit tree planting, and improvements to school safety infrastructure, including the painting of a zebra crossing and the construction of a pedestrian walkway.
Speaking during the engagement, Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, said the bank remains committed to addressing the needs of the communities it serves.
“At KCB Bank Uganda, we believe that banking is ultimately about people. It is about understanding the communities we serve, responding to real needs and creating opportunities that make life better.
"Education remains one of the most powerful investments any society can make. Through the KCB Foundation, we are proud to support 56 bright but financially disadvantaged learners transitioning from O-Level to A-Level across eight schools in Uganda. We are particularly delighted that Kololo Secondary School will welcome ten of these scholars,” he said.
The programme began with a financial literacy session led by KCB Bank Uganda staff, providing students with practical knowledge on saving, budgeting and responsible financial management. The bank also facilitated account opening to promote financial inclusion among young people.
Recognising the importance of keeping girls in school, the bank donated reusable sanitary towels to all female students, helping to address barriers that often affect attendance, participation and academic performance.
KCB Bank Uganda Head of Human Resources, Patience Arinaitwe, said the bank is proud to support schools, communities and families in creating environments where young people can flourish.
“I want the students here today to know that there is no limit to what they can achieve. Even when circumstances appear difficult, believe in yourselves. Let your ambitions exceed your anxieties. The world needs your ideas, leadership, courage and voice,” she said.
As part of the bank’s environmental sustainability agenda, students and KCB staff participated in a fruit tree-planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental awareness and creating long-term benefits for future generations of learners.
The initiative also included the painting of a zebra crossing and the construction of a pedestrian walkway within the school premises to improve learner safety and encourage responsible road use.
Kololo Secondary School Headmistress, Betty Mwesigwa, welcomed the intervention and commended KCB Bank Uganda for adopting a holistic approach to supporting education.
“This programme addresses several important aspects of student wellbeing, from financial literacy and environmental stewardship to health and safety. We are grateful for KCB Bank’s commitment to empowering our learners and creating a supportive environment for their success,” she said.
According to officials, the initiative reflects KCB Bank Uganda’s broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainable development, recognising that lasting community transformation requires investments that strengthen education, improve livelihoods, promote environmental responsibility and enhance social wellbeing.
As Uganda continues to harness the potential of its youthful population, partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector remain critical in preparing young people to participate meaningfully in the country’s economic and social development.