In a strong commitment to youth empowerment and national development, Stanbic Bank Uganda has sponsored the graduation of 100 young people from a six-month vocational training programme at Busitema University in Eastern Uganda.
The initiative, fully funded at UGX 50 million, aims to provide practical, industry-relevant skills to enhance youth employability and boost economic growth.
Empowering Youth through Skills Development
The programme is part of Stanbic Bank’s broader vision to support community empowerment through strategic education investments.
According to Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank’s Manager for Corporate and Social Investment, this skills training initiative is a strategic extension of the bank’s purpose-driven philosophy.
“At Stanbic Bank, our commitment goes beyond banking; we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that build human capacity, stimulate economic growth, and uplift communities,” said Ondoga.
“This program exemplifies this dedication by equipping talented young men and women with practical, industry-relevant skills, empowering them to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development,” she continued.
The programme aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan, which prioritizes skills development as a driver of sustainable economic transformation.
97% Completion Rate Highlights Programme Success
The graduation ceremony, held at Busitema University, marked the successful completion of training by 97 out of the 100 originally enrolled participants.
Eng. Dr. Joseph Ddumba Lwanga, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, praised the high completion rate, noting it reflects the commitment of all stakeholders involved from the university and Stanbic Bank to the students themselves.
“The graduates represent a 97% completion rate, an indicator of commitment by all the stakeholders including beneficiaries, sponsors, and implementers,” said Ddumba.
Dumba added that the beneficiaries were selected on merit from areas where Busitema University operates, including campuses in Nagongera, Namasagali, Arapai, Mbale, Pallisa, and Kaliro.
The diverse course offering included welding and metal fabrication, post-harvest handling, brick-laying and concrete practice, irrigation technologies, and automotive repairs.
Building on a Legacy of Empowerment
The programme, now in its second year, expanded its intake from 70 beneficiaries last year to 100 in 2025.
Ondoga emphasized that the vocational training initiative builds upon Stanbic Bank’s long-standing investment in youth through its flagship Stanbic National Schools Championship, which has impacted over 500,000 secondary school students over the past decade.
“However, we asked ourselves what about those out of school?” Ondoga said. “That question led to the development of this programme, which provides an innovative solution to that challenge. It is designed with a clear focus on closing the gap between education and industry needs, ensuring our youth are job-ready and highly competent.”
She also noted that partnering with Busitema University was a strategic choice due to the university’s regional reach and alignment with national priorities.
“While we have allocated funds to various initiatives, this partnership stands out because it aligns with the National Development Plan and outlines practical skills and industry readiness as essential for community development and individual success,” she added.
Real-Life Impact Stories: From Home to the Workforce
Graduates like John Siminyu and Christine Adikini shared powerful testimonies about the programme’s transformative impact. Siminyu, who had dropped out after Senior Four and struggled to find direction, is now employed in a welding job.
“When I heard about this opportunity, I embraced it because I had always wanted to practice welding. Now, I already have a job, where I am applying my skills and learning more through mentorship,” said Siminyu.
Adikini, a graduate in irrigation technologies from Buyende district, persevered through pregnancy during the course. Her determination paid off, as she completed her training with support from both instructors and fellow students.
“Studying while pregnant was quite challenging because of the intensity of the program. At first, I was afraid I would be dropped because of my condition. I am grateful to the administration for enabling me to carry on,” she shared.
Her husband, James Mugavu, praised her resilience and noted that the skills she gained are already improving their family’s farming efforts.
“We recently set up nursery beds which survived the harsh weather, because we were implementing the skills she had learned during her study. We believe this is going to be an opening to greater opportunities, especially through agriculture,” said Mugavu.
A Call to Action for Quality and Innovation
As the graduates prepare to enter the job market, Busitema University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, encouraged them to uphold quality and professionalism.
“Let your actions and work speak for you. As you step into the communities to serve, remember that the quality of your services will determine the success of your enterprises. Clients expect quality and good customer care. Without these, your qualifications alone won’t suffice,” Prof. Waako advised.
Advancing Inclusive Economic Growth
Ondoga emphasized that the programme reflects Stanbic Bank’s commitment to holistic and inclusive development, particularly for women, youth, and farmers.
“Stanbic is intentional about enhancing an all-around growth of women, youth, and farmers, especially through supporting initiatives that uplift their standards of living,” she said.
As Uganda continues its journey toward economic transformation, partnerships such as this between private sector players and institutions of higher learning offer a promising pathway to unlocking the country’s full human capital potential.
