Liberty Life Assurance Uganda has celebrated the conclusion of the first-ever Kuza School Challenge, an initiative designed to promote financial literacy and foster social entrepreneurship among secondary school students. The program, which commenced in September 2024 at Kabojja International School, culminated in a showcase of entrepreneurial projects where students received seed funding to bring their innovative ideas to life.
The Kuza School Challenge aimed to equip students with essential financial management and entrepreneurial skills, while addressing pressing social and community issues. Over the program’s duration, students participated in hands-on training sessions, developed viable business proposals, and benefited from expert guidance provided by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to refine their ideas.
At the handover ceremony, Mr. Joseph Almeida, Managing Director of Liberty Life Assurance Uganda, praised the students for their creativity and focus on impactful solutions. “This challenge was not just about starting businesses; it was about empowering young people with the financial skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the business world, while also encouraging them to make a positive impact in their communities. We are proud to support these young changemakers as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys,” he said.
The students showcased business ideas addressing key community issues such as environmental sustainability, access to education, healthcare, and technology. Each team demonstrated a deep understanding of financial discipline, problem-solving, and social entrepreneurship principles.
To support their ventures, Liberty Life Assurance Uganda awarded UGX 2 million in seed funding to each winning team, along with mentorship to help students turn their ideas into sustainable social enterprises.
Divine Vhovha, Deputy Headteacher at Kabojja International School, commended the program’s impact, saying, “The Kuza School Challenge has not only instilled critical skills in our students but also broadened their perspective on how they can contribute to their communities meaningfully. We are grateful to Liberty Life Assurance Uganda for this partnership, and we look forward to seeing the incredible outcomes these projects will achieve.”
This initiative aligns with Liberty Life’s broader mission of addressing financial literacy gaps in Uganda. With only 32% of Ugandans financially literate and many small business owners lacking financial management skills, the Kuza School Challenge seeks to create a new generation equipped to manage money, grow businesses, and contribute positively to society.
One standout project was the online voting platform Vortex, founded by student Jovita Namakula, which was named the overall winner of the Kuza School Challenge. “I’m thrilled to see Vortex take off,” said Namakula. “Winning the UGX 2 million will allow us to enhance the platform and expand its reach, making elections more transparent and accessible. I’m deeply grateful to Liberty Life Assurance Uganda for their support, which is helping us turn our vision into reality and create lasting change.”
Looking ahead, Liberty Life Assurance Uganda is exploring opportunities to expand the Kuza School Challenge to more schools nationwide, aiming to impact thousands of students in the coming years. This successful inaugural phase underscores the transformative power of financial education and the untapped potential within Uganda’s youth.
The Kuza School Challenge marks a significant milestone in Liberty Life’s efforts to build a financially savvy, socially responsible, and entrepreneurial future generation.
