Equity Bank Uganda has officially launched the 5th Cohort of the Equity Leaders Program 2026 at African Bible University, inducting 100 top Senior Six graduates into a transformative leadership and mentorship pathway aimed at shaping the next generation of African leaders.

At the serene grounds of African Bible University, excitement filled the air as 100 top-performing Senior Six graduates from across the country gathered for induction into the Equity Leaders Program.

Speaking at the launch, Gift Shoko, The Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director, said the program is designed to identify and nurture young talent from the grassroots, using education and mentorship as tools to transform communities and restore dignity.

He revealed that starting next week, the scholars will be deployed for internships in various institutions, including banks, where they will gain practical work experience and earn stipends as they prepare to join a university.

Shoko emphasised that the program supports students during the critical transition from high school to university by helping them define their purpose, career paths, and long-term contribution to society.

He added that the initiative maintains a 50–50 gender balance and has so far supported over 500 scholars across four cohorts, with some securing admission to global institutions such as Harvard University.

Catherine Psomen, the Director of Public Sector & Social Investment at Equity Bank Uganda, noted that the Equity Leaders Program is part of the bank’s broader social investment pillars, equipping scholars with practical knowledge in enterprise development, financial literacy, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

The two-day induction also focused on teamwork, leadership values, personal development, and networking among scholars drawn from different regions and schools.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.

As the scholars prepare to begin their internships, Equity Bank Uganda says the program will continue to shape responsible, community-minded leaders capable of transforming Uganda and the African continent at large.