Standard Chartered, Rotary launch skills programme to empower vulnerable youths

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill, has launched the 2026 cohort of the Standard Chartered–Rotary Skills for Change programme, a six-month youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping vulnerable young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The programme, implemented through Einstein Rising’s Skills for Change Programme, will benefit 20 young people, primarily young women, from communities around Muyenga, including Kikubamutwe, Namuwongo and Kansanga.

The launch was marked by the official handover of a UGX25 million sponsorship cheque from Standard Chartered Bank to support implementation of the new cohort.

Participants will receive practical training in tailoring, garment production and entrepreneurship, with the programme designed to help them transform vocational skills into sustainable income-generating opportunities.

Beyond classroom and practical training, the beneficiaries will receive manual tailoring-machine starter kits, intended to help them establish small enterprises or transition into employment after completing the programme.

The initiative will also provide participants with an opportunity to showcase their products through Fashion for Impact, a platform designed to connect emerging designers and entrepreneurs with potential markets, partners and buyers.

Speaking at the launch, Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said youth entrepreneurship could play an important role in creating economic opportunities and strengthening local communities.

“In Uganda, youth entrepreneurship has the potential to positively impact local communities through the creation of economic opportunities. Yet many young entrepreneurs continue to face barriers, from limited access to capital and market information, to inadequate technical assistance and support systems,” Kigozi said.

She noted that these challenges can be particularly pronounced among young women, making targeted interventions that combine skills development, confidence building and practical support important in promoting economic inclusion.

“Today, we appreciate and recognize the 20 beneficiaries in this cohort for taking an important step towards building their skills, confidence and future livelihoods. We wish them the very best on this journey and look forward to seeing the impact they will create within their communities,” she said.

Kigozi also commended the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill for its leadership in the partnership, particularly Past President Kenneth Rubango and current President Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga.

“We deeply appreciate the leadership of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill, through Past President Kenneth Rubango and sitting President Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga, for steering this partnership to this important milestone,” she said.

She further recognised Einstein Rising for implementing the programme, saying Standard Chartered looked forward to working with its partners to support the beneficiaries throughout the six-month training period.

The programme forms part of Standard Chartered’s broader commitment to tackling inequality and promoting economic inclusion through the Standard Chartered Foundation, with a particular focus on young women and underserved youth.

The bank says its support is guided by the belief that equipping young people with relevant skills, confidence and practical resources can enable them to build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the economic development of their communities.

The Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill will work alongside Einstein Rising to provide programme oversight, monitor participants’ progress and outcomes, and promote accountability throughout implementation.

The partnership reflects Standard Chartered’s community-focused commitment under its brand promise, “Here for good, Here for our Communities,” while positioning vocational skills development as a pathway towards greater economic participation among vulnerable youth.