Students and recent graduates are being challenged to take charge of their futures, and Stanbic Bank is offering the tools to do it. Speaking at the Makerere Career Expo 2026 on March 13, Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking, called on young people to actively tap into youth-focused empowerment initiatives.
“We’ve made Stanbic a youth-friendly bank,” Arinaitwe said. “We’re the only bank in Uganda with a dedicated Head of Youth—someone thinking about your future, your opportunities, and how to help you succeed.”
The Career Expo, running across 14 universities and tertiary institutions between March 11 and April 21, is designed to prepare students for a fast-evolving job market shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
From Classrooms to Real-World Skills
Arinaitwe encouraged students to seek internships and practical experience to bridge the gap between education and employment.
“Many of you told us that before starting a job or launching a business, you need hands-on experience. That’s exactly what we aim to provide through partnerships and internship opportunities,” he said.
He also highlighted Stanbic’s business support programs, including the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young entrepreneurs with training and financing to turn ideas into viable ventures.
“Banks will finance a good business idea,” Arinaitwe added. “Start with experience, finish university, get the right skills, and launch your journey. We’ll support you along the way.”
Preparing for the AI Era
At the expo, experts emphasized how young professionals can thrive alongside technology.
“AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a partner,” said Fred Percy Kisa, head of digital transformation at NSSF. “Machines can calculate and retrieve data faster than humans, but there are things AI can’t do. Use AI to boost productivity and research. Combine human creativity with machine efficiency, and you’ll have a competitive edge.”
Aligning Potential with Purpose
Keynote speaker Paul Rumanda, Head of HR at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), encouraged students to link their skills with meaningful work.
“Purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said. “It’s not just about a paycheck—it’s about solving problems you are uniquely equipped to tackle. Align your potential with your purpose for sustainable impact.”
Opportunities on Display
The expo connected students with over 50 employers, education partners, and industry experts. Activities included workshops on CV writing, elevator pitches, professional networking, scholarship guidance, and masterclasses on digital skills, freelancing, and remote work. Students also received financial literacy tips and long-term planning insights from NSSF.
“Over 25,000 students graduate from Ugandan universities each year,” Arinaitwe said. “The world of work is changing daily. This expo helps students understand those changes and prepare for careers that are meaningful, sustainable, and future-ready.”
Through interactive panels, mentorship sessions, and hands-on workshops, students left the expo equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the modern, AI-influenced job market.
