Absa Bank Uganda has joined forces with Tata Uganda to help schools nationwide access safe, modern, and reliable buses for their learners, tackling one of the education sector’s most persistent challenges affordable and quality school transport.
Under this partnership, schools can benefit from high-value asset financing with zero arrangement fees, flexible five-year term repayments, and no interest during the first academic year. The initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on educational institutions, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas, enabling them to modernize their fleets without straining cash flow.
“Safe and reliable transport is critical to ensuring learners can attend school consistently and on time,” said Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda. “By removing the cost barriers schools face in acquiring quality transport, we are safeguarding the wellbeing of children and enhancing the learning environment.”
Many schools in Uganda have struggled to purchase new buses due to high upfront costs, limited financing options, and term-based income cycles. Consequently, institutions often rely on outdated or unsafe vehicles, putting learners at risk and affecting attendance. The Absa–Tata partnership directly addresses these issues by combining affordable financing with Tata’s durable, school-ready buses.
“Our vision at Tata has always been to deliver reliable, cost-effective transport solutions,” said Devdatta Chitale, Auto Head at Tata Uganda. “Partnering with Absa Bank Uganda ensures more schools can access the right products and financing, allowing students to travel safely and comfortably every day.”
The official signing ceremony took place at Tata Uganda’s premises and was attended by Judah Mphela, Absa Africa Regions Head of Business Banking; Moses Rutahigwa; Albert Byaruhanga, Business Banking Director; and Anne Wachira, Head of Asset Finance, alongside Tata Uganda’s leadership team led by Devdatta Chitale and Stanislaus Pink, Head of Sales. Delegates toured Tata’s operations to witness firsthand the production processes and quality standards behind the buses.
This collaboration highlights Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions that empower communities, and Tata Uganda’s mission to provide transport solutions that meet the evolving needs of the country’s education sector.