Kampala, Uganda — Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned 100 outstanding students into the fifth cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future leaders through education, mentorship, and professional development.
The newly admitted scholars join 412 others previously enrolled in the program, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 512 since the initiative was launched in Uganda in 2022.
The bank also celebrated the graduation of 81 students from the maiden 2022 cohort, who completed studies in various disciplines including Engineering, Law, Statistics, and other professional fields at universities across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the program is designed to empower academically talented students with leadership skills and opportunities that prepare them to become transformational leaders.
He noted that beyond academic excellence, the Equity Leaders Program focuses on mentorship, leadership training, innovation, integrity, and sustainable development.
“Through the Equity Leaders Program, we are nurturing leaders who will drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development,” Shoko said.
He encouraged the scholars to remain disciplined, focused, and intentional in shaping their future careers and personal growth.
Dr. Joanne Korir, Director of Operations at Equity Group Foundation, described the program as a platform that equips young people with critical thinking, communication, leadership, and life skills necessary for success in today’s world.
She emphasized that the initiative exposes students to the corporate environment while preparing them to contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda and Africa at large.
Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investment, said the mentorship journey aims at developing transformative leaders through practical exposure, career guidance, and international opportunities.
One of the graduating scholars, Victor Nuwaga, described the program as life-changing, saying it had provided him with mentorship, confidence, and a strong network of peers.
Another scholar, Christabel Nabukenya Babirye, encouraged fellow students to use the opportunities provided through the program to create positive impact in their communities.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Patrick Muinda, Commissioner for Library, E-Learning and Information Technology, commended Equity Bank Uganda for investing in young talent and promoting innovation through education.
He urged scholars to use their education to serve society and improve their communities.
Equity Group Foundation Board Director Sam Bwaya applauded the scholars for successfully completing the induction program and encouraged them to uphold excellence, integrity, and selflessness.
The Equity Leaders Program operates in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo under the Equity Group Foundation. The initiative provides mentorship, paid internships, coaching, networking opportunities, and university counselling to top-performing students.
Some scholars under the program have secured fully funded scholarships to prestigious institutions including Harvard University, New York University, the University of Waterloo, and other universities across the world.
Through the initiative, Equity Bank Uganda continues to empower young people with education, leadership skills, and opportunities aimed at shaping the next generation of African leaders.
