Mr. Gift Shoko (fifth from left) cuts celebratory cake with some of the scholars and members of the executive in February 2025 in commemoration of the graduation of its first cohort of ELP scholars, who have successfully graduated after 3-year University Bachelor’s degree programs
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Equity Bank is set to induct 100 top Ugandan scholars into its prestigious Equity Leaders Program (ELP), one aimed at cultivating future African leaders.
The colorful ceremony will take place at the African Bible University in Lubowa along Entebbe Road on Sunday, after which they will take part in a week-long induction process, which will enable them qualify for internships and opportunities for global university scholarships.
Barbara Among, Equity Bank Uganda’s Communications Manager, the 100 selected scholars, will shortly after take part in a bootcamp and induction, which will run until May 10 at the African Bible University in Lubowa.
She said the induction program will include training on essential soft skills, guidance on transitioning to solution-oriented leadership mindsets, leadership development, and grooming.
“This is a mentorship and leadership development initiative aimed at empowering promising young scholars to become effective leaders capable of tackling Africa’s challenges,” she said in a Webinar held on Friday, May 2nd 2025.
Among further noted that the program focuses on providing academic support, leadership skills training, and mentorship opportunities.
Participants are selected based on their performance in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, administered by the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB).
Gift Shoko, Equity Bank’s Managing Director congratulates Dorcus Namuwonge Dorcas, a graduate of Bachelor of Art and Industrial Design from Kyambogo University who was part of the bank’s first cohort of ELP scholars, who have successfully completed their 3-year University Bachelor’s degree programs recently
“Each year, the bank admits the top-performing boy and girl from each district where it has a branch, with the ranking determined by UNEB,” noted Among, adding that the ELP offers several key benefits to the selected scholars.
Some of these include the chance to apply for admission and full financial aid at global universities through the bank’s College Counseling Program.
This three-month program prepares students for the international university application process and helps them adapt to new education systems.
It also enables them to potentially join peers at prestigious global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.
Among further noted that after the week-long induction, the scholars will participate in a 3- to 6-month paid internship program at Equity Bank.
“During this time, they will receive a monthly salary and gain practical, on-the-job training and mentorship across various departments within the bank,” she said.
The program also emphasizes mentorship, pairing participants with experienced professionals who provide guidance in their academic and professional journeys.
The program also fosters regional integration by promoting collaboration and networking among ELP scholars from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Equity Bank initiated the ELP, with the goal of nurturing a community of future leaders who will significantly contribute to Africa’s development.
Since its inception in Kenya in 2018, the ELP has supported thousands of university scholars across the continent, with many securing fully funded scholarships at prestigious global institutions.
