Equity Bank Commissions Third Cohort of Equity Leaders Program

Equity Bank Uganda has commissioned its third cohort of Equity Leaders Program (ELP) scholars, welcoming 110 top-performing students from districts where the Bank operates.

The ELP, a mentorship and leadership development initiative, amplifies Equity Bank Uganda’s social impact by expanding existing programs through the Bank’s social impact engine.

Chosen based on their 2023 Senior Six Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results, the scholars have completed a week-long induction and are set to begin a 3-6 month paid internship at Equity Bank. During this period, each scholar will receive a monthly stipend and gain invaluable on-the-job training and mentorship across various departments.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Sam Bwaya, a board member of the Equity Group Foundation Uganda, expressed excitement, saying, “It’s truly inspiring to see the growth of the Equity Leaders Program. From launching with 123 scholars in January 2022, we now commission 110, bringing our total to over 300 scholars. What began as a modest mentorship program has evolved into a significant contributor to our successes. Equity Bank remains committed to transforming lives by empowering outstanding students from every district to realize their potential.”

Equity Bank Managing Director Anthony Kituuka emphasized the Bank’s dedication to human capital development through the Equity Leaders Program. “We’ve mentored over 300 scholars in just three years, providing them with paid internships, coaching, and mentorship. Our goal is to support their transition to leading local and global universities and prepare them for the professional world.”

Kituuka highlighted the benefits of the internship program, stating, “These scholars gain early exposure to the corporate world, learning essential life skills such as personal branding, financial management, and navigating corporate dynamics. The stipend they receive not only enhances their economic well-being but also uplifts their communities. This is the essence of ELP’s impact.”

Since its expansion to Uganda in 2021 from Kenya, the program has sent five scholars from Uganda to prestigious global universities and over 700 scholars from other Equity Group subsidiaries to prestigious universities such as MIT, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton among others.

Operational in four of Equity Group’s six subsidiaries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and DRC, ELP serves as a regional initiative fostering East African integration. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources, building a network of young professionals, and cultivating an alumni community of innovative thinkers, the Equity Leaders Program aims to address the region’s socio-economic challenges.