Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned 100 outstanding students into the fifth cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future African leaders through mentorship, education, and professional development.
The newly admitted scholars join 412 others already enrolled in the program, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in Uganda to 512 since the initiative was launched in the country in 2022.
The commissioning ceremony also marked the graduation of 81 scholars from the maiden 2022 cohort, who completed university studies in various disciplines, including engineering, law, statistics, and other professional fields across institutions in Uganda and abroad.
Speaking during the event, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the program is designed to prepare young people to become transformative leaders capable of driving national and continental development.
“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 emphasized that leadership development requires intentional personal growth, discipline, and strategic decision-making, urging scholars to take advantage of the opportunities provided through the program.
The Equity Leaders Program operates under the Education and Leadership Development pillar of Equity Group Foundation and currently runs across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The initiative identifies top-performing students from national examinations and supports them through mentorship, leadership training, paid internships, career coaching, and university counseling.
Dr. Joanne Korir described the program as a critical platform for nurturing the next generation of leaders while exposing scholars to the corporate environment early in their careers.
“This program equips scholars with critical thinking, business acumen, leadership, and life skills, transforming both individuals and communities,” she said.
Korir also stressed the importance of innovation, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and self-leadership in shaping successful careers and impactful leadership.
Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investment at Equity Bank Uganda, noted that the program extends beyond academic achievement by providing practical experiences and mentorship designed to prepare scholars for life after university.
“This mentorship journey is intended to shape students into transformative leaders,” she said.
One of the graduating scholars, Victor Nuwaga, credited the program for expanding his professional and personal outlook.
“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, highlighted the importance of inclusion and mentorship in unlocking young people’s potential regardless of background.
“Every student in this room has potential,” she said, encouraging fellow scholars to use the opportunity to positively impact their communities.
The event’s guest of honour, Dr. Patrick Muinda, commended Equity Bank Uganda for investing in youth empowerment and leadership development.
He urged scholars to use education as a tool for service and community transformation rather than personal advancement alone.
Equity Group Foundation Board Director Sam Bwaya challenged the students to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence as ambassadors of the program.
Meanwhile, a keynote message delivered on behalf of Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi by Non-Executive Board Director Henry Rugaamba emphasized that talent exists in every community and thrives when opportunities are provided.
The Equity Leaders Program offers scholars a comprehensive development pathway that includes a three-to-six-month paid internship at Equity Bank, mentorship throughout university, and support for local and international university applications.
Several past scholars have secured fully funded scholarships to prestigious global institutions, including Harvard University, New York University, the University of Waterloo, and other universities across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Established in 2008, Equity Group Foundation serves as the social impact arm of Equity Group Holdings and focuses on socio-economic transformation through education, financial inclusion, innovation, enterprise development, health, agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability initiatives across Africa.