LUBOWA, Uganda — Equity Bank will host its annual Equity Leaders Program (ELP) induction for 100 academically gifted young scholars from Sunday, May 4, through Saturday, May 10, at the African Bible University in Lubowa, the bank announced. A commissioning ceremony will follow the induction, according to Equity Bank communications manager Barbara Among.

The Equity Leaders Program, launched in Uganda in January 2022, is a mentorship and leadership development initiative aimed at empowering promising young scholars to become effective leaders capable of tackling Africa’s challenges. The program focuses on providing academic support, leadership skills training, and mentorship opportunities.

Participants are selected based on their performance in the Senior 6 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, results of which are released by the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB). Each year, the bank admits the top-performing boy and girl from each district where it has a branch, with the ranking determined by UNEB.

The ELP offers several key benefits to the selected scholars. Notably, it provides an opportunity to apply for admission and full financial aid at global universities through its College Counseling Program. This three-month program prepares students for the international university application process and helps them adapt to new education systems, enabling them to potentially join peers at institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

Following the week-long induction, the scholars will participate in a 3- to 6-month paid internship program at Equity Bank. During this time, they will receive a monthly salary and gain practical, on-the-job training and mentorship across various departments within the bank.

The program also emphasizes mentorship, pairing participants with experienced professionals who provide guidance in their academic and professional journeys. Furthermore, ELP underscores the importance of social impact, encouraging scholars to apply their skills and knowledge to address critical issues facing Africa. The program also fosters regional integration by promoting collaboration and networking among ELP scholars from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 100 selected scholars are scheduled to arrive on Sunday for the bootcamp and induction, which will run until May 10 at the African Bible University. The induction program will include training on essential soft skills, guidance on transitioning to solution-oriented leadership mindsets, leadership development, and grooming.

Equity Bank is the driving force behind the ELP, with the goal of nurturing a community of future leaders who will significantly contribute to Africa’s development. Since its inception in Kenya in 2018, the ELP has supported thousands of university scholars across the continent, with many securing fully funded scholarships at prestigious global institutions. The program’s overarching aim is to empower these young individuals to become effective problem-solvers, innovators, and transformational leaders who can drive progress across Africa.