Standard Chartered, Rotary Club launch Skills for Change Cohort 2026 to empower vulnerable youth

KAMPALA, August 15, 2026 — Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill, has launched the Standard Chartered–Rotary Skills for Change Cohort 2026, a six-month youth empowerment initiative implemented through Einstein Rising’s Skills for Change Programme in Muyenga, Kampala.

The programme will equip 20 vulnerable young people, primarily young women from communities around Muyenga, including Kikubamutwe, Namuwongo and Kansanga, with practical skills in tailoring, garment production and entrepreneurship.

The launch included the official handover of a Shs 25 million sponsorship cheque from Standard Chartered Bank, marking the commencement of the new cohort.

Standard Chartered’s support is premised on the belief that equipping young people with relevant skills, confidence and practical support can enable them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. Through the Standard Chartered Foundation, the Bank continues to support initiatives that address inequality and promote economic inclusion, particularly among young women and underserved youth.

Delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tankhill and Einstein Rising, the initiative seeks to bring Standard Chartered’s brand promise, Here for good, Here for our Communities,’ to life.

Beyond vocational training, the programme is designed to help participants turn their skills into income-generating opportunities. Upon completion of their training, participants will receive manual tailoring-machine starter kits to support their transition into employment or enterprise.

They will also have an opportunity to showcase their work through Fashion for Impact, an initiative that connects 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 had significant potential to drive economic opportunities and positively impact 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. For young women, these challenges can be even more pronounced.

“Today, we appreciate and recognise 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.”

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

“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. We also recognise Einstein Rising’s role as the programme implementer and look forward to working together to support the cohort as they begin this six-month journey.”

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

The Skills for Change Cohort 2026 is expected to provide participants with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills while creating pathways to employment, enterprise development and improved livelihoods.

https://thecooperator.news/standard-chartered-marks-114-years-of-presence-in-uganda/

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