KCB Bank Uganda, through its KCB Foundation, has initiated the KCB Scholars Programme to support 56 financially vulnerable students from eight government secondary schools across Uganda. The programme aims to help these students complete their Advanced Level (A-Level) education, a critical stage often disrupted by financial constraints. The first cohort comprises 30 girls and 26 boys, including eight learners with disabilities.
The two-year scholarship programme targets learners transitioning from Ordinary Level (O-Level) to A-Level. 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. Girls make up approximately 54 percent of the beneficiaries, while boys account for 46 percent, and learners with disabilities represent roughly 14 percent of the group.
The programme will support 44 students pursuing science combinations and 12 undertaking arts combinations, with 79 percent of the scholars pursuing science subjects. The comprehensive package 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 initiative was launched in the presence of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, who highlighted how the programme complements national education goals. He emphasized that investing in education is an investment in Uganda’s future and that the jump from O-Level to A-Level is where many vulnerable families struggle.
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 equalizing asset any society can bestow upon its young people. He shared his personal experience of being vulnerable and how scholarship support transformed his life.
Mendi Njonjo, Managing Director of KCB Foundation, emphasized that the foundation recognizes the importance of investing in young people and bridging the opportunity gap. Edgar Byamah, Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, reiterated the bank’s commitment to social inclusion, equity, and human capital development, highlighting that talent exists everywhere and financial circumstances or disability should not determine how far a young person can go.
The selection process for the scholarship programme 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.
Key points
- KCB Bank Uganda's scholarship programme aims to support 56 financially vulnerable students across Uganda for A-Level education.
- The programme provides a comprehensive package, including school fees, scholastic materials, uniforms, and stipends.
- The initiative aligns with KCB Bank Uganda’s broader social investment portfolio and national education goals.
