Top Ugandan scholars join Equity Leaders Program
A hundred of Uganda’s top-performing students have begun a new journey in leadership, mentorship, and career development. They are the latest intake of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) – an initiative by the Equity Group Foundation aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders. The program kicked off on May 4, 2026, at the […] The post Top Ugandan scholars join Equity Leaders Program appeared first on The Observer.
Black News 
A hundred of Uganda’s top-performing students have begun a new journey in leadership, mentorship, and career development.
They are the latest intake of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) – an initiative by the Equity Group Foundation aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders. The program kicked off on May 4, 2026, at the Africa Bible University in Lubowa, Kampala.
ELP operates across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It identifies the highest-performing students from national secondary school exams in each district. Selected scholars then go through a four-pillar model focused on: mentorship, career coaching, college counselling, and access to global universities.
The scholars also receive three to six months of paid internship experience at Equity Bank. This gives them early exposure to the professional world and helps them build practical workplace and leadership skills, according to a statement from the company.
Speaking at the event in Kampala, Equity Bank Uganda managing director, Gift Shoko welcomed the new scholars.
“Being part of this program is not by chance; it is the result of a rigorous selection process,” Shoko said.
“It means you are among a distinguished group of young people in Uganda.”
He reminded the scholars that joining ELP places them within an institution built on excellence, growth, and impact.
“This program exists to develop leaders for Uganda, Africa, and the world,” he added.
Shoko encouraged the students to see themselves as future change-makers.
“It is very possible that within this room sits a future transformative leader or change-maker who will shape communities and nations,” he said.
Since its launch in 1998, the Equity Leaders Program has become one of Africa’s most competitive education and leadership pipelines. So far, 10,505 scholars across the region have benefited from mentorship, internships, and university placement support.
Many have gained admission to global institutions, including Ivy League universities and top schools in Europe, North America, and Asia. At least 1,115 students have received fully funded scholarships to universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Equity Group Foundation says it remains committed to investing in human capital and driving long-term economic and social transformation through education. Shoko encouraged the scholars to embrace uncertainty as part of personal growth.
“The most important thing in life is to find yourself,” he said, urging students to use the program as a platform for self-discovery, growth, and purpose.
He challenged them to stay intentional, disciplined, and committed to contributing meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
As Uganda continues to prioritize youth empowerment and skills development, programs like ELP are seen as strategic investments in the country’s future leadership and global competitiveness.
The latest cohort now joins a growing network of Equity scholars spread across Africa and abroad. With academic excellence already secured, the challenge for these young leaders now shifts beyond grades – to leadership, innovation, and national impact.
Shoko concluded with a strong reminder: “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”
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