Absa Bank Uganda has entered a partnership with Tata Uganda to make it easier for schools to acquire modern, safe, and reliable buses, tackling one of the education sector’s longstanding challenges of affordable quality transport for learners.
The agreement will give schools access to high-value asset financing with zero arrangement fees, flexible five-year termly repayments, and zero interest in the first academic year. Designed with the financial realities of schools in mind, especially those in rural and peri-urban areas, the package aims to help institutions modernise their fleets without disrupting cash flow.
Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda, said the initiative removes key barriers to accessing quality transport solutions. “Safe and reliable transport is critical to ensuring learners can access education consistently and on time. By removing the cost barriers schools face in acquiring quality transport solutions, we are safeguarding the wellbeing of our children and contributing to a better learning environment,” he noted.
For years, many schools in Uganda have struggled to purchase new buses because of high upfront costs, limited financing options, and income patterns tied to academic terms. As a result, some have relied on outdated or unsafe vehicles, putting learners at risk and affecting school attendance. The Absa–Tata initiative seeks to change this by combining affordable finance with Tata’s durable school-ready buses.
Devdatta Chitale, Auto Head at Tata Uganda Limited, said the partnership will expand access to safe and comfortable transport. “Our vision at Tata has always been to deliver durable, reliable, and cost-effective transport solutions. Partnering with Absa Bank Uganda means more schools will have access to the right products and the right financing, ensuring students travel in safety and comfort every day,” he said.
The partnership was formalised at Tata Uganda’s premises during an official signing ceremony attended by senior executives from both organisations, including Judah Mphela, Absa Africa Regions Head of Business Banking; Albert Byaruhanga, Business Banking Director; and Anne Wachira, Head of Asset Finance. The Tata leadership team, led by Chitale and Head of Sales Stanislaus Pink, hosted the delegation and took them on a tour of the company’s operations to showcase the production and quality standards behind the buses.
Officials say the collaboration reflects Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to providing financial solutions that empower communities and Tata Uganda’s mission to meet the evolving transport needs of the education sector. Together, they hope to ensure that learners across the country have safe, dependable transport that supports consistent school attendance and a better learning environment.