United Bank for Africa (UBA) Uganda has engaged students of New Castle High School in Kansanga, Kampala, in an educational outreach programme focusing on environmental conservation, reading culture and financial literacy.
The initiative forms part of the bank’s community development efforts aimed at equipping young people with practical knowledge and life skills beyond the classroom.
The UBA delegation was led by Country Head of Treasury Stephen Azumah, accompanied by Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Hoziana Niyonsaba Ssemanda and Kansanga Branch Manager Kush Tumwebaze.
The team was received by the school’s Deputy Director of Studies, Adong Evelyne, and Dean of Students, Emmanuel Lubega.
During the engagement, which was organised as part of activities marking UBA Climate Week, Azumah addressed students on the importance of environmental conservation, proper sanitation and responsible waste management.
He emphasised that maintaining a clean environment should not be left to sanitation workers alone but requires collective responsibility and active participation from everyone.
Azumah encouraged students to take ownership of their surroundings, observing that people’s attitudes towards public spaces should reflect the cleanliness standards they maintain in their homes.
He further urged learners to adopt responsible waste disposal and proper sanitation practices as everyday habits, noting that environmental protection is essential to building healthier communities and securing a sustainable future.
To support the school’s sanitation efforts, UBA Uganda donated outdoor garbage bins to encourage proper waste disposal and promote a cleaner learning environment.
The outreach also featured a reading culture session led by Hoziana Niyonsaba Ssemanda, who challenged students to make reading an integral part of their daily lives.
She urged learners to challenge negative perceptions about reading, referencing the popular saying, “If you want to hide something from an African, put it in writing.”
Ssemanda encouraged students to develop a consistent reading habit by making use of available and accessible reading materials, including novels and other books beyond their classroom assignments.
She noted that reading should not be viewed merely as an academic requirement but as an important tool for expanding knowledge, building confidence and creating opportunities for personal development.
Financial literacy formed another key component of the programme, with Kansanga Branch Manager Kush Tumwebaze guiding students through basic money management principles.
The session focused on saving, responsible spending and developing sound financial habits from an early age.
Students also participated in an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing them to seek clarification and gain practical insights into making informed financial decisions.
The engagement was intended to introduce learners to responsible financial practices that can help them manage their resources as they grow into adulthood.
The school visit highlights UBA Uganda’s efforts to extend its contribution to society beyond traditional banking services through initiatives supporting education, environmental sustainability and financial empowerment.
By engaging students on issues affecting their personal development and communities, the bank seeks to encourage responsible citizenship and equip young people with skills relevant to their future.
UBA Uganda says initiatives of this nature reflect its commitment to investing in communities, supporting education and empowering the next generation to contribute to a more sustainable and economically responsible society.
