Gift Shoko (M), Equity Bank’s Managing Director joins some members the 4th Cohort of the ELP scholars in a group photo at Lubowa near Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The one hundred top former Senior Six students from various districts across Uganda, who have been admitted into the prestigious Equity Leaders Program (ELP) 2025, have been urged to discover their purpose.
Gift Shoko, Equity Bank Managing Director, who spoke to the scholars Monday morning, called on them to live with intention, urging them to discover their purpose and pursue it with passion and commitment.
“We are grooming leaders not just for Uganda, but for the global stage, so that Africa gets a voice at the table,” said Shonko, adding that leadership is never made in simple ways.
“Don’t expect a simple journey. Leaders are not made through easy paths. They must rise like eagles,” he noted.
He also highlighted the bank’s core corporate philosophies, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, integrity, creativity and innovation, teamwork, unity of purpose, respect and dignity for customers, and effective corporate governance.
Gift Shoko, Equity Bank Managing Director, being welcomed by members of the new cohort
Elizabeth Wahito, Equity Bank’s Acting Head Public Sector and Social Investments, welcomed the new entrants, saying that this year’s scholars have already articulated bold aspirations, which include mastering entrepreneurial skills, embracing self-discovery, developing transformative leadership and becoming catalysts for change in their communities.
“Your energy and commitment reflect the program’s mission to shape tomorrow’s change makers,” she noted.
The program admits top performing students in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results released by the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB).
Barbara Among, the Equity Bank Communications Manager, who referred to the ELP as a transformative leadership development program, said the 100 scholars selected from every district with an Equity branch—will kick off their journey with a week-long induction.
“From there, they’ll dive into a paid internship at the Bank, gaining valuable hands-on experience, mentored by EBUL staff. But that’s not all—over the next three months, they’ll also benefit from personalized college counseling to help them apply to top global universities,” she said.
During their three months at the bank, they will undergo a paid internship program, where each scholar will get a monthly stipend and will experience on-the-job training and mentorship within various departments.
Beyond internships, the ELP offers college counseling for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. To date, over 125 students have secured placements in top global universities, with 13 currently studying at Harvard University. This is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and global reach.
For those pursuing higher education locally, Equity has established university chapters that act as hubs for leadership development, entrepreneurship training and peer mentorship.
Elizabeth Wahito, the Equity Bank Acting Head Public Sector and Social Investments welcoming the new entrants
These chapters foster a strong sense of community and enable continued connection with the Equity ecosystem. Several local chapter alumni have been directly engaged in digital projects for the Bank, and 17 former ELP scholars are now full-time Equity Bank employees.
This year’s intake comes at a time when the impact of the ELP is visibly expanding. In February 2025, 29 arts’ students from the ELP 1st Cohort graduated, marking a key milestone for the program.
Equity Bank continues to champion equal opportunity, with scores among admitted scholars ranging from top distinctions to strong performances from students in under served areas of Uganda.
Through the ELP, the bank has re-affirmed its commitment to nurturing a generation of ethical, empowered and globally competitive leaders.
Testimony
Garvin Alimu, a remarkable scholar whose determination led him to apply to 18 universities abroad—ultimately earning a place at the prestigious Harvard University. During his session, Garvin shared insights from his inspiring journey to success, emphasizing the importance of dedication, preparation, and resilience.
He advised fellow scholars to invest time and effort in crafting compelling essays, noting that strong personal statements can set one apart in competitive applications. Garvin also stressed the value of having a reliable support system, encouraging peers to build meaningful friendships, and to thoroughly research and prepare for the universities they aspire to join.
