Eight Ugandans in Equity's $21m scholarship

Eight Ugandans have earned a prestigious opportunity to advance their career leadership credentials at various universities around the world under the Equity Leadership Programme (ELP).

The eight Ugandans are among 113 ELP scholars admitted to 71 global universities located in 22 countries around the world.

Equity Group Foundation (EGF) executive chairman James Mwangi commissioned the airlift of the 113 scholars drawn from four countries with Kenya taking in 82 scholarship followed by Rwanda with 21 while DR Congo has two.

Speaking at a dedication and flag- off ceremony to celebrate the scholars before they travel for their studies, Dr Mwangi challenged the students to be agents of change, leveraging the knowledge, values and skills they will acquire to address Africa's development challenges.

"As you embark on this journey, remember to stay adaptable and embrace every challenge with integrity," he said.

"Embrace the journey ahead and be open to different cultures and perspectives, and let your unique qualities shine."

Dr Mwangi urged the scholars to build strong networks and innovate to create lasting solutions for their community and invest in their ability to overcome challenges.

"Find new approaches as this will be your greatest asset," he said.

The scholarships is valued at $21,497,646 (Shs80bn) for the four-year duration of their undergraduate studies.

Each scholar will receive an airlift token of Kshs200,000 (Shs5.7m) to support their transition into the global universities.

Under EGF’s Education and Leadership Development pillar, the scholars who were also onboarded into Equity Bank’s paid-internship programme, benefited from a comprehensive two-month College Counselling programme where scholars received expert guidance on essay writing, university selection, and exam preparation.

Additionally, a week-long bootcamp equipped them with the necessary skills to navigate the transition to university life and thrive as global scholars.

The scholars will be joining universities in different continents across the globe including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Dr Mwangi emphasized the role of the scholars in driving Africa's socio-economic growth, particularly within the framework of the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) a multi-pronged, private sector driven and holistic solution to achieve social and economic transformation of Africa championed by the Equity Group.

"By establishing your networks and contributing ideas and solutions on how to bolster Africa's economic potential, you can grow trade and investment on the continent, you can expand markets and accelerate technology adoption to elevate our potential," he said.

"Your contributions will be instrumental in creating a more prosperous future for our continent."

Giving further advice to the scholars, Dr Mwangi said the most effective way of giving back is through mentorship.

"As you step into the world, understand that your true wealth lies in the positive impact you create. Your journey is not just about personal success; it's about illuminating the paths for others," he said.

"Build strong connections, share your knowledge, and give back to your community, letting your experiences abroad broaden their horizons and also inspire those behind you to create lasting change. Remember, you carry the hopes and dreams of your family and country.”

Speaking during the Airlift Ceremony, Jackie Bakku, an ELP Scholar joining European University Viadrina to study Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, said the support network she found during her ELP journey has been instrumental to her success.

"There were times I gave up and didn’t believe in myself," Ms Bakku said.

"The Equity team’s encouragement was like a steady hand guiding me through challenging moments and it's incredible to think about how my life has transformed from the adversity of a refugee camp to securing my place at a world-class university.

"This journey would not have been possible without the support system that Equity has provided."

Baku grew up at Ayilo I Refugee Camp, she later Studied at St Mary’s Assumpta Girls School in Adjumani, where she scored 13 points.

Trevor Paul Egaru, an ELP Scholar joining Moscow Aviation Institute, Russia USA, to study Aeronautical Engineering said: “In 2022, I sat for my UACE, emerging as the top boy in my district and joined the Equity Leaders Programme.

"I was interning at Equity Bank Kajansi Branch. My advice to fellow scholars let’s use our brains to help our communities. This opportunity should inspire us to do more for our country and people.” Pegaru hails from Gulu, Northern Uganda.

Francis Ocen, an ELP Scholar, joining the University of Georgia, USA, to study for a degree in Poultry Science said, “I must say the application process was tough, requiring endless dedication and a firm belief in my goals.

"But the love and firm hands of Equity staff kept pushing me to do my best. I am glad I didn’t give up because I would have missed studying a course that I am passionate about. I love farming and I want to change my community by setting up modern poultry farms.”

With this year’s admissions, a total of 970 students have successfully been admitted to prestigious universities on fully funded scholarships.

This intake includes 13 students who will be joining Ivy League Universities including: Brown University (1), Columbia University (1), Harvard University (4), Princeton University (2), Cornell (1), University of Pennsylvania (4).

The Equity Leaders Programme is an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation, established in 1998 to cultivate a new generation of future leaders.

The first ELP scholar is today the Equity Group Chief Operating Officer. By identifying and nurturing top-performing students nationally from within Equity Group's subsidiaries, ELP has become a catalyst for transformative change.

This rigorous programme is designed to equip young minds with the leadership skills, knowledge, and networks essential to drive sustainable economic growth and social progress across the continent.

Through a holistic approach that encompasses academic excellence, character development, and practical experience, ELP aims to foster a community of interconnected leaders poised to tackle Africa's most pressing challenges.