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 tackle youth unemployment.
The programme, unveiled on Monday, forms part of the bank’s corporate social investment as it marks 35 years of operations in Uganda.
This year’s edition has drawn nearly 1,000 applications from secondary and vocational institutions, signalling growing interest among young people in enterprise and innovation.
Speaking at the launch, Stanbic Bank’s Executive Head for Business and Commercial Banking, Tunde Thorpe, 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,” Thorpe 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”. It is part of Stanbic’s broader efforts to support local enterprise development, with up to Shs1 trillion earmarked for business growth and socio-economic transformation.
Skills focus
The championship will feature practical learning components, 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 skills development 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,” Kagina said.
Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe, Commissioner for Secondary Education, said the initiative complements government efforts to promote competence-based learning.
“This programme allows learners to apply knowledge, innovate and develop solutions that are relevant to their communities and the country’s development,” she said.
Expanding reach
Since its inception, the National Schools Championship has reached nearly one million learners, supported the creation of more than 200 student-led enterprises and engaged over 500 schools nationwide.
Stanbic Bank Corporate Social Investment Manager Diana Ondoga said the programme 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,” Ondoga said.
She added that about 70 per cent of the bank’s corporate social investment is directed towards education, reflecting a long-term focus on human capital development.
This year, learners from 200 schools will participate, with top innovators advancing to a national boot camp scheduled for May at Gayaza High School.
Ondoga urged participants to maximise the opportunity.
“Think boldly, innovate fearlessly and develop solutions that can transform your communities and create jobs,” she said.
