Stanbic Bank Equips 97 Youth with Job-Ready Skills Through UGX 50M Training Program
Stanbic Bank Uganda, in partnership with Busitema University, has successfully trained 97 young Ugandans in vital vocational skills through a fully funded UGX 50 million initiative. The six-month program, launched in Tororo District, aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III) to foster skills development and boost employment.
The program focused on practical disciplines such as welding, bricklaying, automotive repair, irrigation, and post-harvest handling — areas critical to Uganda’s economic growth.
Empowering Through Education
Of the 100 students originally enrolled, 97 completed the intensive course — a 97% success rate. The participants were drawn from regions where Busitema University operates, including Nagongera, Namasagali, Arapai, Mbale, Pallisa, and Kaliro.
“This high completion rate speaks volumes about the dedication of all stakeholders — the university, Stanbic Bank, and the students themselves,” said Dr. Joseph Ddumba Lwanga, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
Stanbic’s Long-Term Commitment to Youth Development
According to Diana Ondoga, Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, the program reflects the bank’s broader mission: “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.”
“This is more than CSR; it’s an intentional investment in human capital. We want to ensure that young people are not only educated but are employable and economically empowered,” she said.
Stanbic has previously reached over 500,000 secondary students through its National Schools Championship. This vocational program now extends that impact to out-of-school youth.
Stories of Change: From Poultry Farming to Welding
One of the beneficiaries, John Siminyu, shared how the course changed his life:
“After dropping out post-S4, I struggled with a failed poultry project. Now I’ve secured a welding job and am gaining valuable experience.”
Another graduate, Christine Adikini, studied irrigation technologies while pregnant with twins.
“It was tough, but I received great support. Today, my husband and I are already applying irrigation techniques in our nursery beds,” she said.
A Model for National Impact
Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, reminded graduates to prioritize service quality:
“Your qualifications must be matched by discipline, excellence, and customer care in the communities you serve.”
Ondoga emphasized that the initiative not only prepares youth for employment but is part of Stanbic’s broader strategy to uplift women, farmers, and underprivileged youth.
With the success of this UGX 50 million vocational program, Stanbic Bank and Busitema University have laid a strong foundation for youth employment and community transformation in Uganda. Their initiative demonstrates how corporate partnerships with academic institutions can directly impact lives and drive long-term economic development.
