Africa-Press – Uganda. Young people in Uganda have been urged to embrace creativity, innovation, and practical skills as key tools for tackling unemployment and driving national development.
The call was made by Allen Kagina, Chairperson of the TVET Council, during the launch of the 11th edition of the Stanbic National Schools Competition held at the National ICT Hub in Kampala.
Kagina noted that although Uganda has a largely youthful population, with a significant proportion under the age of 18, this demographic advantage can only translate into development if it is matched with skills and innovation.
“Young people must go beyond academic qualifications. They must think creatively, build confidence, and develop practical skills that enable them to create jobs rather than wait for them,” she said.
The National Schools Competition brings together secondary and vocational institutions to develop solutions to real-world challenges through mentorship, teamwork, and innovation.
Speaking at the same event, Tunde Thorpe, Executive Head for Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader purpose of driving Uganda’s economic growth.
Thorpe said the bank’s commitment is anchored on five strategic pillars: financial inclusion, job creation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and corporate philanthropy.
He added that this year’s competition, running under the theme “Powering Innovation for Job Creation,” coincides with Stanbic Bank’s 35-year milestone in Uganda, during which it has supported businesses and livelihoods as part of the Standard Bank Group.
Thorpe also revealed that the bank has earmarked up to UGX 1 trillion to support local enterprises and drive socio-economic transformation.
“Uganda’s youth are no longer waiting for opportunities—they are creating them. The future of our economy depends on our ability to transform learners into earners and job seekers into job creators,” he said.
Organisers said the competition has so far reached over 600,000 students and teachers and supported the creation of more than 200 businesses, making it one of Uganda’s leading youth innovation platforms.
Participants were encouraged to use the platform not only to compete but also to develop practical solutions to community challenges and contribute to long-term national development.
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