Kampala – Stanbic Bank Uganda has launched the 11th edition of its National Schools Championship (NSC), a flagship programme aimed at equipping young people with practical skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial literacy.
The initiative, unveiled on Monday, forms part of the bank’s corporate social investment strategy and coincides with its 35 years of operations in Uganda.
This year’s competition is expected to draw participation from hundreds of secondary and vocational institutions, building on nearly 1,000 applications already received—an indication of growing interest among youth in enterprise development.
Shifting Mindsets to Job Creation
Speaking at the launch, Executive Head for Business and Commercial Banking Tunde Thorpe said the championship is designed to inspire young people to transition from job seekers to job creators. “Uganda’s future lies in empowering young people to become innovators and entrepreneurs. This programme equips learners with the skills and confidence to build enterprises and drive economic growth,” he said.
Thorpe noted that the initiative aligns with the bank’s purpose—“Uganda is our home, we drive her growth”—and its broader Positive Impact agenda, which focuses on enterprise development and inclusive economic participation, particularly among youth and women.
Skills for the Future
Running under the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation,” the 2026 edition will offer hands-on learning through teacher training, student innovation toolkits, mentorship, and a residential boot camp.
Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council, Allen Kagina, emphasised the importance of skills development in tackling unemployment. “Skills are the currency of the future. Programmes like this prepare young people to participate productively in the economy,” she said.
Similarly, Commissioner for Secondary Education Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe said the initiative complements government efforts to promote competence-based learning. “It gives learners a platform to apply knowledge, innovate, and develop solutions relevant to their communities,” she noted.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Since its inception, the championship has reached nearly one million learners, supported the creation of more than 200 student-led enterprises, and engaged over 500 schools nationwide.
Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, Diana Ondoga, said the programme remains central to the bank’s education and youth empowerment agenda. “We are investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs. Beyond competition, this platform nurtures ideas, builds confidence, and equips young people with practical skills,” she said.
Ondoga added that about 70 percent of the bank’s corporate social investment is directed towards education, underlining its commitment to human capital development.
This year’s edition will involve learners from about 200 schools, with top innovators advancing to a national boot camp scheduled for May at Gayaza High School. Participants have been encouraged to embrace creativity and develop solutions that can transform communities and generate employment opportunities.