Equity Bank expands leadership pipeline as 100 new scholars complete ELP boot camp

May 10, 2026 in Companies by Editor

Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned 100 top-performing students into its Equity Leaders Program, as the lender deepens investment in youth leadership, mentorship and skills development to prepare a new generation of professionals and change-makers.

 

Equity Bank Uganda has concluded a week-long induction and leadership boot camp for 100 scholars admitted into the fifth cohort of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), expanding one of the region’s most competitive youth mentorship and leadership development initiatives.

The newly commissioned scholars join 412 previously admitted participants selected from top performers in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations, bringing the total number of students admitted into the program since its launch in Uganda in 2022 to 512.

The bank also celebrated the graduation of 81 scholars from the maiden 2022 cohort, who completed university studies in disciplines including engineering, law, statistics and business-related fields.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Kampala on May 9, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the program is designed to nurture a generation of leaders capable of driving innovation, integrity and sustainable development in Uganda.

“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 embrace intentional personal growth and discipline as they transition into professional life, noting that leadership is shaped by decisions and consistency over time.

The Equity Leaders Program, run under the Education and Leadership Development pillar of Equity Group Foundation, combines mentorship, paid internships, leadership coaching and university counselling to prepare academically gifted students for careers both locally and internationally.

Dr. Joanne Korir said the initiative has continued to grow in Uganda while helping young people gain exposure to the corporate world and practical leadership skills.

“This program equips scholars with critical thinking, business acumen, leadership, and life skills, transforming both individuals and communities,” she said.

Korir added that innovation, emotional intelligence and self-leadership would increasingly define success in a rapidly changing global economy.

Catherine Psomgen said the program goes beyond academic performance by helping students build confidence, professional networks and long-term career pathways.

“This mentorship journey is intended to shape students into transformative leaders,” she said.

The event also featured testimonies from graduating scholars, many of whom described the program as transformative beyond financial support.

“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,” said graduate scholar Victor Nuwaga.

Another participant, Christabel Nabukenya Babirye, said mentorship and access to opportunity can unlock the potential of young people regardless of background.

Guest of honour Patrick Muinda said investments in youth leadership and education are essential to Uganda’s long-term socio-economic transformation.

He urged scholars to view leadership as service and responsibility rather than personal achievement alone.

The program currently operates across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with scholars receiving mentorship support throughout university and access to global university placement opportunities.

Some past participants have secured fully funded scholarships to institutions including Harvard University, New York University and University of Waterloo.

Analysts say programs such as ELP are increasingly becoming important channels for leadership development and skills formation as Uganda seeks to strengthen human capital and competitiveness in a knowledge-driven economy.