Student Innovations Shine as Stanbic National Schools Championship Enters Appraisal Phase

The 10th edition of the Stanbic National Schools Championship (SNSC) has officially entered its appraisal phase, as student led innovations across the country gain national attention for their creativity, relevance, and impact. The phase who h was launched this week will focus on evaluating how the finalist schools have used the seed funding provided to develop and scale up their innovative projects.

One of the standout innovations so far has been from Sacred Heart Mushanga. Here, students successfully designed and installed a water-pumping prototype that now serves the entire school. As a result, the system has been seamlessly integrated into the school’s infrastructure. In turn, it has offered a sustainable and cost-effective water supply solution that highlights both engineering acumen as well as problem-solving skills.

Meanwhile, at Ibanda Secondary School, students are turning common household items into powerful tools for public health. Their innovation, insect-repellent candles made from coffee grounds and cloves — is apparently a safe alternative to synthetic insecticides especially for pregnant women, children, and people with respiratory issues. These candles, which are now being used in local homes and hotels show a viable commercial product that has clear health and economic benefits.

Throughout the next month, all of the eight finalist schools will undergo a thorough appraisal. This will include an assessment of their financial accountability, project scalability, environmental impact, and social relevance. The focus is not only on whether the students implemented their projects but also how well they managed the seed capital and applied entrepreneurial thinking to meet community needs.

Now in its 10th year, the Stanbic National Schools Championship has grown into one of Uganda’s largest youth entrepreneurship and innovation platforms. This competition equips secondary school students with business and leadership skills, nurturing the next generation of problem solvers. This year’s theme “Empowering Student Innovation for Sustainable Impact” — continues to drive real-world application of knowledge and skills.

The championship is a flagship initiative under Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program, designed to promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young Ugandans. Past editions have seen numerous student ideas evolve into startups and community enterprises with national and regional recognition.

As the appraisal phase unfolds, Ugandans can expect to see more inspiring stories of youth innovation. These young champions are not just competing for awards — they are already shaping Uganda’s future economy with practical, homegrown solutions.