A new group of 100 of Uganda’s top-performing students has begun a transformative journey in leadership, mentorship, and career development after joining the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation.
The program officially launched on May 4, 2026, at Africa Bible University in Lubowa, marking the start of an intensive experience designed to shape the next generation of African leaders.
Operating across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, ELP selects the best-performing students in national secondary school exams from each district. These scholars are then guided through a structured four-pillar model that focuses on mentorship, career coaching, college counseling, and access to global university opportunities.
As part of the program, participants also undertake three to six months of paid internships at Equity Bank, giving them early exposure to the workplace while building practical skills and leadership experience.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko told the scholars that their selection reflects both excellence and responsibility.
“Being part of this program is not by chance; it is a result of a rigorous selection process. It means you are among a distinguished group of young people in Uganda,” Shoko said.
He emphasized that the program is built on strong values and a broader mission. “This program exists to develop leaders for Uganda, Africa as well as for the World,” he said.
Shoko urged the students to recognize their potential impact, noting that some of them could go on to shape the future of nations. “It is very possible that within this room sits a future transformative leader, or a change-maker who will shape communities and nations,” he said.
Since its founding in 1998, the Equity Leaders Program has grown into one of Africa’s most competitive education and leadership pipelines. A total of 10,505 scholars across the region have benefited from mentorship, internships, and university placement support. Many have gone on to secure admission to leading global institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia.
So far, 1,115 students have earned fully funded scholarships to top universities, including Ivy League schools such as Columbia University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Equity Group Foundation says it remains committed to investing in education as a way to drive long-term economic and social transformation across the continent.
Shoko also encouraged the students to embrace uncertainty as part of their growth journey. “The most important thing in life is to find yourself,” he said, urging them to use the opportunity to discover their purpose and build meaningful careers.
He challenged the scholars to stay focused and disciplined while contributing to Uganda’s development.
As the country continues to prioritize youth empowerment and skills development, initiatives like ELP are increasingly seen as critical investments in future leadership and competitiveness.
This new intake joins a growing network of Equity scholars spread across Africa and beyond. With academic excellence already proven, their next challenge lies in leadership, innovation, and making a lasting national impact.
