Three Ugandan students — Ahwera Abel, Claire Nsaba, and Garvin Alimu — are dreaming bigger after securing admission to leading global universities on full scholarships, thanks to the transformative impact of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP).
The three scholars, all products of Uganda’s education system, will be pursuing their dreams at New York University Abu Dhabi and Harvard University, marking a major milestone in their academic journeys and highlighting the life-changing opportunities created through ELP.
Abel’s Journey to NYU Abu Dhabi
For 23-year-old Ahwera Abel, admission to New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering was a dream come true.
“Being admitted under Early Decision was a huge milestone for me,” Abel said. “It meant NYUAD was my first choice, and I had secured a place at one of the world’s top institutions. My dream is to pioneer research in bioengineering — maybe even genetic cloning or reviving extinct species — and know that I brought something new to the world.”
Abel began his education at St. Paul’s Nursery and Primary School in Igorora, Ibanda, before joining Ntare School, where he excelled academically with 13 aggregates at O-Level and 20 points in PCM/ICT at A-Level. He also won a bronze medal at the national level, balancing academics with extracurricular excellence.
The Equity Leaders Program, he said, was a turning point.
“The program taught me how to communicate professionally, how to carry myself with confidence, and guided me through college applications. It gave me the skills and exposure I needed to reach this stage,” he noted.
Claire Nsaba: A Journey of Determination
For Claire Nsaba, gaining admission to NYU Abu Dhabi was equally life-changing. Growing up in Kisoro District, she credits her parents’ determination to seek opportunities across the country for shaping her academic path. She will pursue civil engineering.
“When I received the admission letter, I was overjoyed,” Claire said. “It said ‘Congratulations’ and confirmed that the full cost of attendance — nearly $90,000 per year — would be covered. That was nothing short of a miracle for me and my family.”
She believes the Equity Leaders Program provided the platform to make her dreams a reality. “The mentorship, leadership training, and exposure helped me see beyond limitations and prepare for opportunities I once thought were out of reach,” she reflected.
Garvin Alimu Heads to Harvard
21-year-old Garvin Alimu will be pursuing his dream at Harvard University, Class of 2029, on a full scholarship — a goal he had pursued with determination from his early school days in Kabale to Kampala.
“Initially, I thought I might be underqualified when Equity Bank called my father about the program,” Garvin admitted. “But joining ELP opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined. It taught me discipline, professionalism, and leadership.”
Garvin says studying abroad has been his lifelong dream.
“Now, as I join Harvard University, I’m committed to excelling and creating paths for others to follow. I want my story to inspire students across Uganda to dream bigger.”
Equity Bank on Transforming Lives
The Equity Leaders Program, spearheaded by Equity Bank Uganda, continues to transform lives by connecting top-performing students to mentorship, leadership training, and global university opportunities.
“We are proud to celebrate Abel, Claire, and Garvin — three outstanding scholars whose talent, hard work, and determination have earned them places at world-class institutions,” an Equity Bank representative said. “Their achievements reflect the life-changing impact of the Equity Leaders Program and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders.”