Stanbic Bank Uganda has launched the 11th edition of the National Schools Championship, a flagship program designed to equip students with practical skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to help combat youth unemployment.
The initiative, is part of the bank’s corporate social investment and coincides with Stanbic’s 35th anniversary of operations in Uganda.
Organizers expect hundreds of secondary and vocational institutions to participate this year after receiving nearly 1,000 applications, signaling growing interest in enterprise and business creation among young Ugandans.
Tunde Thorpe, Stanbic Bank’s Executive Head for Business and Commercial banking, said the championship aims to shift mindsets from job seeking to job creation.
“Uganda’s future lies in empowering young people to become innovators and entrepreneurs,” Thorpe said. “Through this program, we are equipping learners with the skills and confidence to create solutions, build enterprises and drive economic growth.”
He noted the initiative aligns with Stanbic’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 carries the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation” and is part of broader bank efforts to support local enterprise development, with up to 1 trillion shillings 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.
Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Allen Kagina, said initiatives that promote skills development 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,” Kagina said.
Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe, Commissioner for Secondary Education, said the initiative 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 programme remains a key pillar of 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,” Ondoga said.
She added that about 70% of the bank’s corporate social investment is directed towards education, reflecting its long-term commitment to human capital development.
Participants in this year’s edition will include learners from 200 schools, with top innovators advancing to a national boot camp scheduled for May at Gayaza High School.
Ondoga urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Think boldly, innovate fearlessly, and develop solutions that can transform your communities and create jobs,” she said.
The Stanbic National Schools Championship is a premier Ugandan competition designed to foster entrepreneurship,financial literacy and innovation among secondary and vocational students
Launched in 2026, the 11th edition aims to transform youth into job creators through mentorship, boot camps, and a 150 million UGX prize pool
