Equity Bank Uganda has officially commissioned 100 outstanding students into the fifth cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), further strengthening its mission of nurturing a new generation of African leaders through education, mentorship, and leadership development.
The commissioning ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 81 scholars from the maiden 2022 cohort, marking a major milestone for the program since its introduction in Uganda. The graduates completed studies in various disciplines, including law, engineering, statistics, and business-related courses, from universities across the country and beyond.
With the latest intake, the total number of Ugandan scholars admitted into the program has now reached 512.
Speaking during the ceremony, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko described the initiative as a long-term investment in Uganda’s future leadership and socio-economic transformation.
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 remain intentional about their personal growth, discipline, and career development, emphasizing that leadership is shaped by consistency and purpose.
The Equity Leaders Program operates under Equity Group Foundation and runs across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative identifies top-performing students from national examinations and equips them with mentorship, leadership training, internship opportunities, career coaching, and university placement support.
Dr. Joanne Korir said the program continues to play a key role in exposing young people to professional opportunities while building their confidence and leadership potential.
This program equips scholars with critical thinking, leadership, business acumen, and life skills that transform both individuals and communities,” she said.
She added that innovation, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and effective time management remain critical elements for success in today’s competitive world.
Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investment at Equity Bank Uganda, noted that the initiative goes beyond academics by preparing students for life and leadership beyond university.
This mentorship journey is intended to shape students into transformative leaders capable of impacting society positively,” she said.
Several scholars also shared testimonies about the impact the program has had on their lives.
Victor Nuwaga, one of the graduating scholars, described the initiative as life-changing.
Beyond financial support, the program gave me mentorship, confidence, and a network of peers who continuously inspire me,” he said.
Another scholar, Christabel Nabukenya Babirye, emphasized the importance of mentorship and equal opportunity in unlocking the potential of young people regardless of background.
The event was attended by education and corporate leaders, including Dr. Patrick Muinda, who applauded Equity Bank Uganda for investing in youth empowerment and innovation.
He encouraged the scholars to use education as a tool for service and transformation within their communities.
Equity Group Foundation Board Director Sam Bwaya challenged the students to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence as ambassadors of the program.
The Equity Leaders Program offers scholars a three-to-six-month paid internship at Equity Bank, mentorship throughout university education, and guidance for applications to both local and international universities.
Past beneficiaries have secured fully funded scholarships to prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, New York University, the University of Waterloo, and several universities across Europe and Asia.
Since its establishment in 2008, Equity Group Foundation has continued to focus on transforming lives across Africa through programs in education, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, health, agriculture, technology, and environmental sustainability.
