Absa Bank Uganda has teamed up with Tata Uganda to make it easier for schools nationwide to acquire safe, modern, and reliable buses for their learners. The partnership seeks to tackle one of the education sector’s long-standing challenges: access to affordable, quality school transport.
Under the collaboration, schools can now access high-value asset financing with zero arrangement fees, flexible five-year termly repayments, and zero interest in the first academic year. The initiative is aimed at reducing financial pressure on educational institutions, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas, allowing them to modernize their fleets without affecting cashflow.
“Safe and reliable transport is critical to ensuring learners can access education consistently and on time,” said Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda. “By removing cost barriers, we are safeguarding the wellbeing of children and contributing to a better learning environment.”
Many schools in Uganda have struggled to finance new buses due to high upfront costs and limited financing options. As a result, outdated or unsafe vehicles are still in use, affecting student safety and attendance. The Absa–Tata partnership addresses this challenge by pairing affordable financing with Tata’s robust, school-ready buses.
“Our vision at Tata has always been to deliver durable, reliable, and cost-effective transport solutions,” said Devdatta Chitale, Auto Head, Tata Uganda Limited. “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 took place at Tata Uganda’s premises and was attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including 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. Delegates also toured Tata’s operations to see the production and quality standards firsthand.
This collaboration underscores Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to tailored financial solutions that empower communities, and Tata Uganda’s mission to provide transport that meets the country’s evolving education needs.
