Stanbic Bank Opens Applications for 11th National Schools Championship, Here is How to apply

Stanbic Bank Uganda has opened applications for the 11th edition of the National Schools Championship, inviting secondary schools and vocational institutions across the country to participate in the programme at no cost.

The call for applications comes only weeks after students from Sumayya Girls High School – Nsangi, the most recent winners, returned from an all-expenses-paid educational trip to South Africa. The trip exposed the learners to global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems as part of the programme’s rewards for outstanding performance.

According to the bank, both private and public secondary schools, as well as vocational institutions in Uganda are eligible to apply for the championship. Application forms are available on the bank’s official online platforms, with the submission deadline set for March 19, 2026.

This year’s championship will run under the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation,” focusing on nurturing creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership among young people.

Through mentorship, practical business training and engagement with industry leaders, students are supported to develop ideas that address real economic and social challenges while preparing them for opportunities beyond the classroom.

Speaking about the initiative, Diana Ondoga, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the programme reflects the bank’s broader commitment to national development.

“This initiative is in line with our purpose: Uganda is our home, we drive her growth. We remain committed to transforming women, youth and farmers through programmes that empower them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed,” Ondoga said.

She noted that the championship targets learners aged 13 to 18 years, with a strong emphasis on building mindset, innovation and entrepreneurial skills that complement classroom learning.

“It is one thing to be technically strong, but it is another to pitch your idea, manage stakeholders and sell that idea. Through this programme, we aim to enhance the ‘software’ of a Ugandan by equipping learners with the soft skills that complement what they learn in the classroom,” she added.

Cathy Adengo, Head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said that this year’s edition coincides with Stanbic’s 35-year Positive Impact Agenda, which is committed to advancing five strategic pillars: financial inclusion, job creation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and corporate philanthropy.

“Empowering young people with the right mindset and entrepreneurial capabilities is essential for sustainable development. Through the National Schools Championship, we are creating a platform where learners can turn ideas into practical solutions that contribute to job creation and economic growth,” Adengo said.

Since its inception, the National Schools Championship has grown into one of the country’s leading youth empowerment platforms, equipping thousands of students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills while encouraging innovative solutions to some of Uganda’s most pressing challenges, including youth unemployment.

Participants also benefit from mentorship, innovation training and mental health support to help them navigate academic and personal challenges.

Schools whose learners present the most compelling innovation or entrepreneurial ideas will compete for the national title and other rewards, including exposure opportunities similar to the educational trip undertaken by last year’s winners.

Ondoga emphasized that participation is open to all eligible schools regardless of whether they hold accounts with the bank.

“You do not have to hold an account with Stanbic Bank. The application is free, so schools should not delay. We want to work with young people across the country to power innovation for job creation and contribute solutions to the unemployment challenge our country is facing,” she said.

Interested schools have been encouraged to submit their applications before the March 19 deadline through the bank’s official online platforms to secure a place in this year’s competition.