Equity Bank helps schools stay on course

As schools reopened for a new term, school administrators and parents confronted a familiar challenge: financing education at the start of the academic term.

The first weeks are the most financially demanding times of a school term; salaries must be paid, food supplies procured, scholastic materials purchased and facilities maintained, all before a significant portion of school fees has been collected.

Parents face similar pressures as they juggle tuition fees, uniforms, books and transport costs amid competing household obligations.

It is this financing gap that Equity Bank Uganda seeks to address through targeted education-sector financing solutions – ‘supporting schools when they need it most’.

Through its School Bridge Financing facility, Equity is providing unsecured loans of up to Shs 500 million to schools, helping institutions maintain smooth operations during periods of cash flow pressure.

According to Brian Ddamba, Manager Bridge Finance at Equity Bank Uganda, the facility was developed after recognizing the unique financial cycles that schools operate within.

“Schools have predictable revenue streams, but they also face significant upfront expenses every term. Our role is to provide the financial support necessary to bridge that gap, allowing school owners and administrators to focus on delivering quality education rather than worrying about short-term liquidity challenges,” he said.

Industry observers believe such financing solutions can play an important role in strengthening education delivery by ensuring schools continue functioning efficiently, regardless of temporary cash flow fluctuations.

Equity Bank also offers school fees loans of up to Shs 5 million per child, enabling parents and guardians to meet education-related expenses without disrupting their children’s learning journey.

The facility is designed to ensure learners return to school on time and remain focused on their studies while parents manage repayments through flexible arrangements.

Education stakeholders have emphasized the importance of financial inclusion in supporting access to quality education, especially as families navigate rising living costs and growing educational expenses.

Beyond addressing immediate financial needs, education financing is increasingly being viewed as a catalyst for institutional growth and sustainability.

Schools are investing in infrastructure expansion, technology adoption, improved learning environments and enhanced security systems to remain competitive and deliver better outcomes for learners.

Access to affordable and timely financing enables institutions to undertake these improvements without compromising daily operations.

Equity Bank Uganda will conclude its ongoing School Bridge Financing campaign with a special education sector engagement on June 23 at Hotel Africana, bringing together school proprietors, administrators and education leaders to discuss financing opportunities and sector growth.

For many schools and families, the message is simple: quality education requires strong financial foundations. And as Uganda’s education sector continues to grow, innovative financing solutions may become an increasingly important part of ensuring that no learner is left behind and no school is forced to compromise on its mission because of short-term financial constraints.

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