KAMPALA, Uganda — A total of 100 top-performing Ugandan students have embarked on a transformative journey in leadership, mentorship, and career development after being admitted into the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation.
The new cohort officially began the program on May 4, 2026, at Africa Bible University in Lubowa, marking the start of what organisers describe as a structured pathway to nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders.
The program, which operates across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, targets the highest-performing students in national secondary school examinations from each district. It offers a comprehensive four-pillar model focusing on mentorship, career coaching, college counseling, and access to global university opportunities.
As part of the initiative, selected scholars will also undertake three to six months of paid internships at Equity Bank, providing early exposure to the professional environment while building practical workplace and leadership skills.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, Gift Shoko described admission into the program as both an honour and a responsibility, noting that the selection process is highly competitive.
“Being part of this program is not by chance; it is a result of a rigorous selection process. It means you are among a distinguished group of young people in Uganda,” Shoko told the scholars.
He emphasised that the program is designed to produce leaders not only for Uganda but for Africa and the wider global community, urging participants to embrace the opportunity for growth and impact.
“It is very possible that within this room sits a future transformative leader, or a change-maker who will shape communities and nations,” he said.
Since its establishment in 1998, the Equity Leaders Program has grown into one of Africa’s leading education and leadership pipelines, with over 10,500 scholars benefiting from mentorship, internships, and university placement support. Many alumni have secured admission to top global institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia.
To date, at least 1,115 students from the program have gained fully funded scholarships to prestigious universities, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Shoko encouraged the scholars to embrace uncertainty as part of personal development, noting that self-discovery is a critical part of their journey.
“The most important thing in life is to find yourself,” he said, urging them to remain disciplined and intentional in their pursuit of excellence and national service.
As Uganda continues to prioritise youth empowerment and skills development, initiatives like ELP are increasingly seen as vital investments in the country’s future leadership and socio-economic transformation.
The newly admitted students now join a growing network of Equity scholars across Africa and the diaspora, shifting their focus from academic excellence to leadership, innovation, and meaningful national impact.
Concluding his remarks, Shoko challenged the students to dream big: “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”
