On March 17, 2025, the Kampala Serena Hotel hosted the launch of the 10th Stanbic National Schools Championship (NSC), themed “The Battle of Champions.” Organized by Stanbic Bank Uganda, this milestone event drew 200 secondary and vocational schools, with over 500 applications vying for UGX 150 million in prizes and a coveted South Africa exposure trip. Having impacted over 500,000 students across 800 schools since 2015, the NSC has become a cornerstone of youth empowerment. “The NSC is a transformative platform equipping youth to create jobs and drive innovation,” declared Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa, underscoring its role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
The National Schools Championship is not just a competition; it’s a transformative platform that equips our youth with the skills and mindset to create jobs and drive innovation for Uganda’s future..
Mumba Kalifungwa, Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank Uganda
The championship’s legacy is striking, with 187 student-led businesses launched, including St. Joseph’s High School Namagunga’s 2024 eco-friendly solar-powered mower. Past winners like Kyebambe Girls SS and Comboni College School have turned ideas into viable enterprises, addressing issues like sustainability. Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, lauded the NSC for bridging classroom learning with real-world application, fostering skills like financial literacy, teamwork, and critical thinking. With regional hubs in Arua, Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Kampala, the program ensures students from diverse backgrounds can shine.
Under the 2025 theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation,” the NSC challenges students to tackle pressing issues like climate change and food security through business proposals and prototypes. Mentorship from industry experts and access to seed funding empower participants to transform visions into reality, while the South Africa trip offers global exposure. Aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and Sustainable Development Goals, the championship inspires a generation to become job creators, cementing its impact on Uganda’s economic and social future.
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