Kampala: KCB Bank Uganda, through the KCB Foundation, has launched the KCB Scholars Programme, an education initiative that will support 56 financially vulnerable students from eight government secondary schools across the country to complete their Advanced Level (A-Level) education. The two-year scholarship programme targets learners transitioning from Ordinary Level (O-Level) to A-Level, a critical stage in their academic journey that is often disrupted by financial constraints. The first cohort comprises 30 girls and 26 boys, including eight learners with disabilities, representing approximately 14 percent of the beneficiaries.
The programme will support 44 students pursuing science combinations and 12 undertaking arts combinations. (With 79 percent doing science subjects), add percentages. Not figures. The two-year scholarship programme targets learners transitioning from Ordinary Level (O-Level) to A-Level, a critical stage in their academic journey that is often disrupted by financial constraints. In the first cohort, girls make up approximately 54 percent of the beneficiaries while boys account for 46 percent, with learners with disabilities representing roughly 14 percent of the group. Academically, the vast majority, 79 percent, are pursuing science combinations, while the remaining 21 percent are undertaking arts combinations.
The beneficiaries were selected from Kololo Senior Secondary School, Luzira Secondary School, Kansanga Seed School, Jinja Senior Secondary School, Mpumudde Seed School, Mbale School for the Deaf, Mbarara Secondary School, and St. Andrew’s Secondary School Rubindi.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, highlighted how the initiative complements national education goals: “Our children are our future, and investing in education is an investment in Uganda’s future. At the Ministry, our priority is not just getting learners into school, but keeping them there through completion. Yet we know the jump from O-Level to A-Level is where many vulnerable families struggle and bright dreams risk being cut short. You have already proved your academic ability; now you are being given the support you need. That is what KCB Bank Uganda is doing, holding your hand so you can finish your journey and help build our nation.”
Also gracing the occasion, the Lord Mayor of Kampala, Eng. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, commended KCB Bank Uganda for extending a lifeline to underprivileged learners, noting that education remains the greatest equalising asset any society can bestow upon its young people.
Reflecting on his humble background, he shared that he was once vulnerable, and scholarship support fundamentally transformed his life. He urged the beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity, reminding them that with resilience, determination, and academic focus, their current socio-economic challenges will not define their destiny.
Underscoring the bank’s broader national responsibility and its ongoing contributions to supporting schools and communities across the country, the Board Chairman of KCB Bank Uganda, Mathias Katamba, stated: “As a board, we recognise that the long-term success of KCB Bank Uganda is closely connected to the prosperity and resilience of the society in which we operate. Our support for investments in education and human capital development is not simply an act of goodwill; they are deliberate investment in the capabilities that will shape Uganda’s economic and social progress. What determines where you will be tomorrow is what you do with the opportunity you have now to learn.”
Mendi Njonjo, Managing Director of KCB Foundation, remarked on bridging the opportunity gap: “We recognise an important reality: ability and opportunity do not always come together. We have deliberately chosen to invest in young people because we recognise their potential and believe that talent should never go to waste simply because opportunity is lacking. When we invest in education, we invest in people, and when we invest in people, we invest in a better future for all.”Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, reiterated the bank’s commitment to social inclusion, equity, and human capital development: “At KCB Bank Uganda, our brand promise is For People, For Better. We are encouraged that 54 percent of this cohort are female, and that 14 percent are learners with special needs, speaking directly to our diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda. Talent exists everywhere, and financial circumstances or disability should not determine how far a young person can go. To our scholars: work hard, remain disciplined, approach your education with purpose, and keep your eyes on the prize.”
Beyond direct financial support, the programme takes a holistic approach by providing structured mentorship, guidance, and life-skills coaching to nurture well-rounded individuals. The comprehensive package also covers school fees, basic scholastic materials, school uniforms, and stipends to support the learners throughout their A-Level journey. Beneficiaries who complete their A-Level studies will also be considered for partial scholarships toward their undergraduate education.
The selection process was conducted in close collaboration with District Education Officers, school administrators, and community representatives to ensure support reached students with proven academic potential and genuine financial need across the country. The initiative aligns with KCB Bank Uganda’s broader social investment portfolio, which includes the flagship Twekozese vocational programme, underscoring the vital role of private sector, public sector, and community partnerships in expanding access to education across the country.
