The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The winning school received Shs 20 million in business capital, Shs 5 million in school support, two laptops, and a teacher’s award of Shs 2 million
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Stanbic Bank Uganda has flown the winners of its 2025 National Schools Championship (NSC) to South Africa, offering a hands-on learning experience at the home of its parent company, Standard Bank Group.
Sumayya Girls High School, crowned champions in the “Student Spark” category, earned the trip after developing Uro Care, a medical innovation designed to detect urinary tract infections early. The device aims to address a pressing health challenge for young women and demonstrates the potential of youth-led solutions in tackling real-world problems.
The NSC, Stanbic’s flagship youth empowerment initiative, is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan. Now in its 10th year, the competition encourages students to develop entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills while fostering innovation across sectors.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Jamimah Kutesa, a Senior Five student and one of the Uro Care inventors. “I never imagined I would travel abroad at my age. I hope to learn as much as possible during this trip.”
The three students and their patron teacher toured Standard Bank Group’s Heritage Centre, visited Johannesburg landmarks, and explored Soweto, the historic home of Nelson Mandela. The itinerary also included luxury ocean excursions and a cable car ride, combining cultural, educational, and recreational experiences.
Business and social impact
Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa framed the initiative as a strategic response to Uganda’s demographic realities. “Youth employment is a global challenge, and in Uganda, nearly 78% of the population is under 30,” Kalifungwa said. “Platforms like the NSC enable young people to transition from job seekers to job creators. This is central to our purpose: Uganda is our home; we drive her growth.”
The winning school received Shs 20 million in business capital, Shs 5 million in school support, two laptops, and a teacher’s award of Shs 2 million. The South Africa trip, valued at Shs 50 million, further enriched the experience.
Diana Ondoga, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic, said the NSC has reached over 500,000 students and inspired more than 200 new youth-led enterprises. “We are already preparing for the 11th edition,” she noted, signaling the competition’s sustained role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Mentor Secondary School claimed first runner-up with their Patient Monitoring System, while Secondary School took second runner-up for their eco-friendly Koffia Candles. Ibanda St. Noa Mawaggali SSS placed third with their mobility innovation, Snoams Walk Mate. Each school received business capital, school funding, laptops, and teacher recognition awards, reinforcing the program’s commitment to scaling practical solutions.
The 2025 NSC spotlighted innovations addressing health, safety, and sustainability, illustrating the competition’s broader vision of equipping students with practical skills for business development, financial literacy, and problem-solving.
A platform for future leaders
Over the past decade, Stanbic NSC has become a key driver of youth-led innovation in Uganda. By providing mentorship, funding, and international exposure, the initiative bridges the gap between education and entrepreneurship, helping students convert ideas into viable solutions.
For Sumayya Girls High School, the Uro Care innovation demonstrates how targeted interventions can meet local needs while offering commercial potential. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning—through international exposure and mentorship—aims to prepare the next generation of Ugandan leaders capable of driving socio-economic transformation.
The NSC’s continued focus on practical solutions reflects a growing recognition among policymakers and the private sector that youth-led innovation is critical for job creation and national development.
