Stanbic Bank Uganda has launched the 11th edition of the National Schools Championship (NSC), a flagship initiative aimed at equipping learners with practical skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to address youth unemployment.
The programme, unveiled on Monday, is part of the bank’s corporate social investment and coincides with its 35 years of operations in Uganda.
This year’s edition is expected to attract hundreds of secondary and vocational institutions, following nearly 1,000 applications—an indication of growing interest in enterprise and innovation among young people.
Speaking at the launch, Tunde Thorpe, Executive Head for Business and Commercial Banking, said the championship is designed to shift mindsets from job seeking to job creation.
“Uganda’s future lies in empowering young people to become innovators and entrepreneurs. Through this programme, we are equipping learners with the skills and confidence to create solutions, build enterprises, and drive economic growth,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s purpose—‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’—and its Positive Impact agenda, which focuses on enterprise development, job creation, and inclusive economic participation, particularly for youth, women, and underserved communities.
The 2026 edition runs under the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation” and forms part of broader efforts to support local enterprise development, with up to shs1 trillion earmarked for business growth and socio-economic transformation.
The championship is structured around practical learning, including teacher training, student innovation toolkits, mentorship, and a residential boot camp for selected participants.
Allen Kagina, Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, said such initiatives are critical in addressing Uganda’s unemployment challenge.
“Skills are the currency of the future. Programmes like this are essential in preparing young people to participate productively in the economy,” she said.
Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe noted that the programme complements government efforts to promote competence-based learning.
“This programme gives learners an opportunity to apply knowledge, innovate, and develop solutions that are relevant to their communities and the country’s development,” she said.
Since its inception, the National Schools Championship has reached nearly one million learners, supported the creation of over 200 student-led enterprises, and engaged more than 500 schools nationwide.
Stanbic Bank Corporate Social Investment Manager Diana Ondoga said the initiative remains central to the bank’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.
“We are investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. Beyond competition, this platform nurtures ideas, builds confidence, and equips young people with skills to succeed,” she said.
She added that about 70 percent of the bank’s corporate social investment is directed towards education, reflecting its long-term focus on human capital development.
This year, learners from 200 schools are expected to participate, with top innovators advancing to a national boot camp scheduled for May at Gayaza High School.
Ondoga urged participants to fully utilise the opportunity.
“Think boldly, innovate fearlessly, and develop solutions that can transform your communities and create jobs,” she said.
