Lubowa — A week of transformative mentorship, strategic skills development, and inspirational training has culminated in celebration as Equity Bank Uganda today officially commissioned Cohort 4 of the prestigious Equity Leaders Programme (ELP).
The 2025 commissioning ceremony marked the transition of nearly 100 of Uganda’s top scholars into the next stage of their academic and leadership journeys—internships and placements at both local and international universities.
In an electrifying atmosphere filled with pomp and purpose, the young leaders, drawn from across the country, were cheered on by family, friends, and dignitaries as they were inducted into the fast-growing ELP alumni network. This year’s commissioning brings the total number of Ugandan scholars admitted to the program since its launch to 419.
Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director, Mr Gift Shoko, delivered an impassioned address to the scholars, urging them to rise above challenges, remain resilient, and lead with purpose.
“It is with great pride and joy that we mark yet another significant milestone in our journey of empowering the next generation of African leaders,” said Shoko. “The Equity Leaders Programme is more than just a scholarship initiative—it is a bold investment in the future of Africa.”
Mr Shoko emphasised that the transformation of Africa hinges on quality leadership, and ELP is Equity Bank’s way of shaping that future. “For Africa to transform, it requires transnational leaders, and this programme is meant to create that foundation,” he noted.
He added: “This programme is not only about academic excellence—it is about developing critical thinking, business acumen, leadership capacity, and life skills necessary to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world.”
Dr. Jeremiah Pitts, the Vice Chancellor of the Lubowa-based African Bible University of Uganda, where the training is taking place, challenged the young scholars to embrace transformation and think beyond limitations.
“If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten,” Dr. Pitts remarked. “In whatever you do, don’t remain the way you are. Continue to be transformed.”
Dr. Pitts praised the Equity Leaders Programme for its deliberate focus on raising future leaders, noting that it equips scholars not only with academic knowledge but also with the values and mindset to lead change.
“What we teach is how to broaden people’s horizons, how to be principled leaders in business and society,” he said. “One of the reasons I appreciate this program is that it is intentionally focused on the future.”
The Equity Leaders Programme is a signature initiative of Equity Bank, designed to nurture high-performing students into impactful leaders through internship placements, university scholarships, and mentorship. Many alumni from the program have gone on to study at world-leading institutions and return to contribute to development in Africa.
As Cohort 4 steps into their new roles, the energy and hope among Uganda’s next generation of changemakers are unmistakable. With the unwavering support of Equity Bank and its partners, they are poised to shine locally and globally.
