Kamuli, Uganda: Equity Bank Uganda has strengthened education in the Busoga sub-region by handing over a brand-new 2025 Isuzu school bus to Busoga High School, Kamuli, a move expected to improve student transport, increase enrolment and support the implementation of Uganda’s competency-based curriculum.
The vehicle, registration number UA 962ES, was officially handed over on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the school. It was acquired through Equity Bank’s Asset Financing Facility, under which the school contributed 10 percent of the purchase cost while the bank financed the remaining 90 percent.
Speaking during the handover, Mwanja Tom, Manager of Equity Bank’s Jinja Branch, said the bank remains committed to promoting education and community development through innovative financing solutions.
“As Equity Bank, we want to see that people and the community develop. Through the Asset Financing Facility, a school can own any property by contributing only 10 percent and we contribute the 90 percent,” Mwanja said.
He explained that the bank also provides School Bridge Finance to help schools meet short-term financial obligations and School Development Financing to support infrastructure projects such as classrooms, dormitories and other facilities.
“We are not just a bank. We are a partner in development,” he added.
The Headteacher of Busoga High School, Oliver Nambi, welcomed the donation, describing transport as one of the school’s biggest challenges. She said the new bus is expected to increase the enrolment of day scholars, improve punctuality and attendance, and enhance the school’s visibility within the community.
“This bus will help us transport day scholars and improve the enrolment of day scholars, which had declined over the years. It will also give us identity in the community,” Ms Nambi said.
She added that the vehicle will support the implementation of the learner-centred curriculum, which places greater emphasis on practical learning.
“Academically, it will help us because the new curriculum is learner-centred with a lot of practical training. Once the government lifts the ban on school trips, this bus will help us take learners out for exposure and practical lessons.”
She also noted that the school bus will reduce the risks associated with students using public transport while improving attendance and time management.
Call for road safety
Kamuli Municipal Education Officer Ivan Wakabi commended Equity Bank for supporting education and urged schools to prioritise road safety.
“The bus will help improve the performance of students in class because learners will reach school on time and attend practical sessions. However, I appeal to schools with transport means to caution drivers to avoid reckless driving in order to prevent accidents involving students and to follow the Standard Operating Procedures put in place by the government.”
The Chairperson of the School Board of Governors, Dr Kakuba Mpango, thanked the school administration for initiating the partnership with Equity Bank and said the vehicle would strengthen the school’s identity.
“This vehicle will bring out the identity of Busoga High School in Kamuli and beyond. I caution our learners to be disciplined and to uphold the values of the school so that they reflect the standard of this institution.”
The handover ceremony was attended by religious leaders led by Rev. Kabi Robinson Kalungi, who prayed for and blessed the new school bus on behalf of the Archdeacon before it was commissioned for use.
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