Moses Sentamu 
Hon. Joyce Moriko Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, together with Diana Ondoga and the Head of Stanbic Bank Education Albert Yiga during the NSC Call for Application launch in Arua City
Applications are open for schools to compete in the 10th season of the Stanbic National Schools championship and the stakes are high on who will win the youth entrepreneurship gong as it marks a decade since its inception.
Last year, participating students from St. Joseph’s High School, Namagunga walked away with a brand-new solar system valued at sh25m, plus sh1.5m for their entrepreneurship patron, and brand-new laptops for each team member in the winning pitch.
On average, over 100 schools participate in the competition annually with participating student groups standing a chance to win prizes worth over shs100 million.
Secondary schools will this year be competing for top prizes worth shs150m as the National Schools Championship celebrates its 10th anniversary. Recently, Stanbic Bank announced a call for applications for the forthcoming edition under the theme ‘Powering Innovation for Job Creators.’
Cathy Adengo, the head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank said job creation is the most pressing need for Uganda to address unemployment among the youth who form much of the population.
“Solving youth unemployment is at the core of our sustainability agenda and over the last ten years, NSC has empowered students and teachers to become forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators, aligning with the government’s National Development Plan and the newly implemented competence-based curriculum,” Adengo said.
She added, “I urge parents, students, teachers, and school owners to ensure their institutions participate in this exceptional programme. Beyond the chance to win prizes worth shs150m, this learner-centered framework equips students with critical skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, preparing them for the job market and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.”
Adengo highlighted that Stanbic Bank has invested more than shs7bn in youth-led enterprises, fostering the teamwork, leadership, and discipline essential for personal and professional development. She highlighted the program’s goals and the vital role NSC has played in bridging the skills gap among Ugandan youth.
With nearly 75% of the population under 30 years of age and 11 million students enrolled in formal education, the NSC aims to equip students with essential skills for the future success of their personal development.
The NSC organisers collaborate closely with educational stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, to expand its reach. The competition has grown significantly, from just 10 participating schools during its inaugural year to over 250 today.
Diana Ondoga, the Manager Corporate Social Investments said, “Participation in the National Schools Championship is completely free of charge. We encourage both private and government-aided schools from all corners of the country to submit their applications and share their business ideas. You never know—this might be your opportunity to shine and make a breakthrough.”
There are two main categories: the Startup Challenge for new schools (Student Spark) and the Business Fellowship category for ongoing school and alumni projects.
“Our goal as the leading bank is to support not only women and farmers, but also to unlock potential and empower our youth to generate ideas that create employment and drive Uganda’s economic growth. By doing this, we contribute to our motherland’s sustainable development,” Ondoga said.
In addition to traditional competition elements, the NSC also features mental health support for participants, offering guidance on career development and stress management, reflecting a broader commitment to students’ well-being.
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