Stanbic Bank Uganda has rolled out the 11th edition of the National Schools Championship (NSC), a flagship youth programme designed to equip learners with practical skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy as a response to rising youth unemployment.
Launched on Monday, the programme forms part of the bank’s corporate social investment strategy and comes as Stanbic marks 35 years of operations in Uganda, reinforcing its long-term commitment to national development.
This year’s edition is expected to draw participation from hundreds of secondary and vocational institutions, following nearly 1,000 applications, a sign of growing enthusiasm among young Ugandans to embrace enterprise and innovation.
Speaking at the launch, Stanbic Bank Executive Head for Business and Commercial Banking, Tunde Thorpe, said the championship is intentionally designed to reshape how young people view work and opportunity.
“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 emphasized that the initiative aligns with Stanbic Bank’s purpose, “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth,” and its Positive Impact agenda, which prioritizes enterprise development, job creation, and inclusive participation for youth, women, and underserved communities.
The 2026 edition runs under the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation” and is part of Stanbic’s wider commitment to support enterprise development, backed by up to Shs 1 trillion earmarked for business growth and socio-economic transformation.
The championship focuses on hands-on learning through teacher training, student innovation toolkits, mentorship, and a residential boot camp for shortlisted participants.
Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Allen Kagina, said skills development remains central to solving 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.
Commissioner for Secondary Education, Juliet Muzoora Atuhairwe, noted that the initiative complements government efforts to strengthen competence-based learning.
“It allows learners to apply knowledge, innovate, and develop solutions that respond to real community and national needs,” 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 across the country.
Stanbic Bank Corporate Social Investment Manager Diana Ondoga said the programme continues to stand as a key pillar of the bank’s education and youth empowerment agenda.
“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 toward education, underscoring its focus on long-term human capital development.
This year, learners from 200 schools will take part, with top innovators advancing to a national boot camp scheduled for May at Gayaza High School.
Ondoga urged participants to fully embrace the opportunity.
“Think boldly, innovate fearlessly, and develop solutions that can transform your communities and create jobs,” she said.
