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NMS Commended for Transparency Through Technological Innovation
Heads of religious institutions, under their umbrella body the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have commended the National Medical Stores (NMS) for its technological innovations in the distribution of medicines. This recognition came during their visit to the NMS headquarters and warehouse in Kajjansi.

NMS uses the Delivery Monitoring Tool (DMT) an online platform that alerts stakeholders when medicines are dispatched from NMS warehouses in Kajjansi and Entebbe, and when they are delivered to health facilities.

Speaking during the tour of the warehouse, Bishop Andrew Lugoloobi, Secretary General of the Born Again Faith in Uganda and a member of the IRCU Board, praised the innovation. “The public needs to know about the Delivery Monitoring Tool to ensure accountability for the medicines received. I am very happy that NMS has taken strides to use technology to improve visibility and transparency in medicine deliveries.”

The Delivery Monitoring Tool was introduced five years ago to enable all Ugandans to track medicines in real time from dispatch to delivery at their respective health facilities via a publicly accessible platform: https://dmt.nms.go.ug.

On his part, Mr. Moses Kamabare, General Manager of NMS, highlighted several other interventions the organization has implemented to prevent the pilferage of medicines after delivery. These include:
- Embossing medicines with “Government of Uganda Not for Sale” as an official identifier
- Digitizing all NMS operations through the NMS+ system, which enables real-time ordering of medicines by health facilities
- Extending last-mile delivery of medicines and vaccines to all health facilities
“We’ve reduced operational costs from 35% to 7% of the total budget provided by the Government of Uganda. We’ve expanded our warehousing capacity with the state-of-the-art Kajjansi facility and implemented tools like the Delivery Monitoring Tool for transparency. But the biggest room we have is the room for improvement,” Mr. Kamabare noted.

Mr. Kamabare also urged religious leaders to preach the gospel of preventive health to their congregations, noting that 75% of diseases affecting Ugandans today are preventable. He emphasized the importance of adopting basic primary health care practices such as handwashing, proper sanitation, regular exercise, and a healthy, balanced diet. These, he said, would contribute to improved national health and reduce the demand for essential medicines.

In remarks delivered by Co-President of IRCU, Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Uganda Orthodox Church, and the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, NMS was lauded for its vital role in ensuring that medicines reach Ugandans who need them most.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and National Medical Stores (NMS) also explored transformative ways to collaborate in improving public health service delivery and ensuring equitable access to medicines across Uganda.

“Health is central to our collective well-being. By leveraging the grassroots reach of faith institutions, we can bridge gaps in health literacy, counter misinformation, and ensure medicines reach the most vulnerable. This partnership is an opportunity to serve,” stated the Archbishop.

He also affirmed IRCU’s readiness to formalize its collaboration with NMS through a Memorandum of Understanding:

“We are ready to partner with NMS on joint campaigns that promote medicine safety, vaccine uptake, and the responsible use of medical resources.”
August 15, 2025
Uganda Airlines Faces Scrutiny from Parliament Over Financial Losses, Aircraft Choices, and Operational Challenges

WHY ZERO RETURNS!?: The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has raised serious concerns about the management of Uganda Airlines, led by CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki, following a series of troubling findings in the Auditor General’s report for the 2023–2024 financial year.

According to the report, the national carrier posted losses amounting to Shs 237 billion during the period under review. The airline’s management attributed these losses primarily to high operational costs, which they said stem from continued reliance on aging Bombardier aircraft.

“Our biggest cost drivers this year have been fuel prices, depreciation, and crew allowances,” Bamuturaki told the committee. “These factors have heavily impacted our financial performance,” she added

COSASE Chairperson Medard Sseggona questioned the initial decision to procure outdated aircraft, noting that the lack of ongoing production for these models leads to inflated costs for spare parts and maintenance a serious concern in an industry where safety and reliability are paramount.

“There’s no production line for these aircraft. That means spares are scarce and expensive, possibly even second-hand which is unacceptable in aviation,” Sseggona said.

The committee has now resolved to summon the individuals involved in the procurement of the Bombardier fleet to justify their decisions.

“Accountability doesn’t end when someone leaves office,” MP Nathan Itungo stated. “Chairman, please invoke Article 90 to summon those responsible.”

Bamuturaki named Ephraim Bagenda as the CEO during the time of procurement and noted that a technical team was involved. While some of the individuals are no longer in the country, others remain employed by the airline.

In addition to the aircraft issues, MPs voiced frustration over Uganda Airlines’ failure to pay dividends to its primary shareholder, the Government of Uganda, for the past two years.

“I don’t want to see zero returns again when it comes to dividends,” Sseggona warned, casting doubt on the airline’s financial sustainability.

Responding to concerns, Bamuturaki said that 67.5% of the airline’s operations are currently funded through internally generated revenues. She also indicated that the airline is exploring new revenue streams, though it still depends heavily on passenger and cargo services.

Beyond financial woes, Uganda Airlines is also grappling with legal disputes stemming from lost passenger luggage and delayed cargo issues that MPs argue should be resolved internally, rather than forcing customers to seek redress in court.

“Why should a passenger go to court to recover a lost bag?” asked MP Nkunyingi Muwada. “These are issues the airline should handle long before litigation becomes necessary.”

August 15, 2025
Ministry of Health, Partners Unveil L.I.V.E. 2025 Conference to Shape Uganda’s First Suicide Prevention Strategy
KAMPALA- In a move aimed at tackling Uganda’s silent mental health crisis, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with mental health advocates and youth organizations, has announced the L.I.V.E. Conference 2025, a national event focused on youth suicide prevention. The conference will take place on 10th September 2025 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, under the theme: “Listen. Include. Validate. Empower. – Because Every Life Matters.”

Timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, the conference will bring together over 500 participants, including young people, mental health professionals, educators, faith leaders, policymakers, and survivors. The goal is to ignite a national conversation and co-create practical, community-driven solutions.

Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, noted that although Uganda lacks accurate statistics on suicide due to various challenges, records from 2024 show 190 suicide attempts and 59 deaths. “We don’t have a national suicide prevention strategy in Uganda. Suicide remains criminalized, and that alone drives the issue further underground. We must stop walking in the dark. This conference is a vital opportunity to bring everyone on board especially the youth to contribute to a strategy that works for Uganda,” Dr. Kyabayinze emphasized.

He further noted that the L.I.V.E. Conference is more than just a gathering, noting that it marks the beginning of a national healing process.

“Even listening to people’s pain and giving them a platform is part of healing. The solutions aren’t just in government; they’re in communities, families, and conversations,” he added.

One of the central issues to be addressed is the current legal treatment of suicide. Under Ugandan law, attempted suicide is a criminal offense, a policy that experts and advocates argue pushes vulnerable individuals into isolation and deters them from seeking help.

Lugasira Andrew, Chairperson of the L.I.V.E. Conference Organizing Committee, stressed the urgency of legal and policy reform. “We want to stop punishing pain. Suicide is not a crime but rather a mental health condition that needs treatment, compassion, and, most importantly, prevention. You don’t wait until someone is gone to act.”

Voices from the Frontlines

The conference will also feature testimonies from those with lived experience, including survivors and families affected by suicide. Albert Elwa, Executive Director of Focus on Recovery Uganda, shared insights from his clinical experience:

“When someone starts saying things like ‘life is not worth living’ or begins giving away their belongings unexpectedly, these are not idle statements. They are signs of deep distress. We need more people to recognize these signs early not just psychiatrists. We only have about 60 psychiatrists for a population of 46 million.”

Conference Highlights and Goals

The L.I.V.E. Conference will feature:
- Youth-led discussions and panels
- Testimonies from suicide survivors and affected families
- A Mental Health Resource Hub offering real-time services and referrals
- Training for media and health workers on responsible reporting and communication about suicide
- A national public awareness campaign to destigmatize mental health
Ultimately, the goal is to lay the foundation for a comprehensive, Uganda-specific National Suicide Prevention Strategy, shaped by the voices of those most affected.
August 15, 2025
Museveni eyes Seventh term as presidential race draws over 100 hopefuls

Uganda’s 2026 presidential race is already shaping up to be one of the most crowded in recent history, with over 100 individuals, among them long-serving President Yoweri Museveni and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, having so far picked up nomination forms from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The form-picking process, a prerequisite for official nomination, opened recently at the IEC and is set to culminate with candidates’ nomination on September 23 and 24, 2025.

Each aspirant must gather at least 100 signatures from registered voters in all of Uganda’s 98 districts, a logistical and political test that filters serious contenders from fringe hopefuls.

President Museveni, now in power for four decades, is positioning himself for a seventh term in office.

His forms were picked on his behalf by National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong and the party’s First National Vice Chairperson, Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, underscoring the president’s enduring grip on Uganda’s ruling establishment.

If successfully nominated, Museveni will once again lead the NRM into battle under the shadow of mounting internal and external pressures, from succession debates within the party to opposition forces still trying to dismantle his political stronghold.

Among the notable opposition figures throwing their hats into the ring is Mafabi, a key player in the FDC and former Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

His candidacy signals a new chapter for the FDC, which has contested every election since the return of multiparty politics in 2006.

Though the party has never unseated Museveni, it has remained a consistent force, most notably through Dr. Kizza Besigye, who challenged Museveni four times, and Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the party’s 2021 flag bearer.

Mafabi’s forms were collected by Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalud.

The field so far is a mosaic of veterans, newcomers, and perennial aspirants.

Mubarak Munyagwa on left while listening to the electoral commission officials

Among them are Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), well-known independent candidate John Katumba (popularly known as Katumba Oyee), and Elton Mabirizi, each symbolic of Uganda’s growing pool of alternative political voices, though lacking the nationwide support or structure to mount a serious challenge.

Notably, five women have also picked nomination forms, continuing a trend of increasing female participation in high-stakes national politics, though none has yet emerged as a major contender.

However, some major players have yet to enter the fray. The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s main opposition party in the last election, has not picked forms, nor has the People’s Front for Transition (PFT), the FDC breakaway faction led by Besigye.

Their absence, for now, raises questions about strategy, timing, or internal recalibration.

According to IEC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the sheer number of aspirants is not unexpected in a democracy, but few are likely to make it past the signature requirement.

This is the beginning of a rigorous process.

The public must watch closely who can meet the constitutional thresholds.

As the deadline draws near, political watchers will be focusing not just on who returns the forms, but who can translate paperwork into genuine national traction.

For now, the race is on, and Uganda appears poised for another high-stakes electoral season.

August 15, 2025
UNBS Calls on Clearing Agents to Comply with Import Inspection Processes, Embrace New E-Portal

KAMPALA –The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has urged clearing agents to support and ensure the business community’s compliance with the UNBS Imports Inspection and Clearance processes. This initiative aims to enhance service delivery and protect consumers from substandard products.

The call was made by UNBS Executive Director, Eng. James Kasigwa, during a meeting with executive members of the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA) held today at the UNBS headquarters in Bweyogerere.

Eng. Kasigwa highlighted concerns from UNBS’s market surveillance operations, revealing that some imported goods covered under Compulsory Uganda Standards have been bypassing official UNBS inspection and clearance processes. These goods have been entering the market via entry points and bonded warehouses without the required UNBS Imports Clearance Certificate (ICC).

Circumventing the UNBS inspection exposes consumers to health and safety risks from substandard commodities. Eng. Kasigwa emphasized that this practice undermines the bureau’s mandate and contradicts its value proposition of fostering quality enterprises.

“Substandard goods unfairly outcompete locally produced quality products, which negatively impacts Uganda’s ten-fold growth strategy focused on export promotion, import substitution, and industrialisation,” Eng. Kasigwa said.

Mr. William Namutale, UCIFA’s national chairperson, underscored the critical role clearing agents play in customs clearance and called for closer collaboration between UCIFA and UNBS to promote and enforce quality standards.

“UCIFA serves as the vital link between UNBS and importers. Therefore, we urge UNBS to collaborate with us as strategic partners to facilitate fair trade and enhance compliance with quality and safety requirements,” Mr. Namutale stated.

In a bid to improve the efficiency of import inspections, UNBS has recently launched an advanced imports electronic portal (new e-Portal). This web-based system is integrated with Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) Asycuda World platform.

The new e-Portal is accessible through the UNBS website, the URA Asycuda World system, or directly via https://eportal.unbs.go.ug.

UNBS encourages all stakeholders, especially clearing agents, to embrace this digital system for smoother, faster, and more transparent import inspection and clearance procedures.

August 14, 2025
Two Killed, Several Injured in Fatal Road Crash in Kasese-Rwenzori East Region

Kasese, Uganda – A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured in the Rwenzori East Region earlier today. The incident occurred at approximately 12:40 PM in Muhokya Town along the Kasese–Mbarara Road.

According to a statement released by the Territorial Police at Kasese Central Police Station (CPS), the crash involved a Toyota Hiace, registration number UBS 891C, and a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration number UAV 674Q, both white in color.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Mitsubishi Pajero was attempting to overtake when it collided head-on with the oncoming Toyota Hiace, resulting in a deadly crash.

The deceased have been identified as Mbusa David and Maate Mathias, both of whom succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Several other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to different hospitals within Kasese Municipality for urgent medical attention.

Police Spokesperson for the Kasese Region, SP Nelson Tumushime, confirmed the fatalities and called for heightened caution on the roads.

“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving. We urge all motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable loss of life,” Tumushime stated.

The police highlighted the primary causes of road accidents as speeding, and Reckless Driving.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash and are appealing to eyewitnesses to come forward with any relevant information.

The community is mourning the loss of life, and local leaders have called for increased road safety measures along the Kasese–Mbarara highway, which has seen a rise in traffic-related incidents in recent months.

August 14, 2025
Prof. Wasswa Balunywa: Uganda Targets Its Education Champion Who Built MUBS Into a National Powerhouse

For 25 years, Professor Wasswa Balunywa was more than just the Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) — he was its architect, its heartbeat, and its driving force. From humble beginnings, he transformed a small, almost unknown department into one of East Africa’s most respected centres of business education, producing tens of thousands of graduates who today power Uganda’s economy.

When he took the helm in the late 1990s, MUBS was little more than a modest business studies unit with fewer than 150 students.

Through sheer vision, strategic partnerships, and tireless advocacy, he grew it into a full-fledged institution with over 20,000 students and more than 1,500 staff members. Classrooms expanded, new campuses opened, curricula modernised, and student services improved. Under his leadership, MUBS became a household name synonymous with practical business education, innovation, and leadership training.

A Builder of Institutions and People

Prof. Balunywa’s leadership style went beyond administrative efficiency — he believed in nurturing talent, empowering staff, and preparing graduates for real-world challenges. He introduced programs that bridged the gap between academic theory and practical business skills, ensuring that MUBS alumni were not just degree holders but job creators, innovators, and industry leaders.

His legacy is visible across Uganda. From corporate boardrooms to entrepreneurial startups, from public sector offices to international organisations, MUBS graduates have carried the stamp of his vision. Many of these professionals have risen to positions of national influence, shaping policies and driving economic growth.

Recognition From the Highest Office

It is no accident that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni publicly recognised Prof. Balunywa’s contributions to education and national development on several occasions. The President has repeatedly praised him for his leadership in expanding access to higher education and aligning academic programs with Uganda’s socio-economic transformation goals.

In his speeches, President Museveni often highlighted MUBS as a model of how public institutions can be transformed through visionary leadership and effective management. The President valued Balunywa’s efforts to produce skilled, job-ready graduates who contribute directly to Uganda’s industrialisation and wealth creation agenda.

Prof. Balunywa’s regular engagements with the President and government ministries were not ceremonial — they were platforms to discuss policy reforms, particularly in education and youth empowerment. His proposals to replace outdated examinations like PLE and UCE with skills-based assessments resonated with the President’s own calls for a shift toward practical, productivity-driven education.

National and Regional Influence

Balunywa’s impact extended beyond Uganda’s borders. Under his stewardship, MUBS attracted students from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, cementing Uganda’s reputation as a regional hub for business education. International academic partnerships flourished, opening doors for student exchanges, joint research, and collaborative innovation.

His voice became a trusted one in regional conferences, policy forums, and business leadership summits. In all these spaces, he flew Uganda’s flag high, advocating for Africa’s economic transformation through education and entrepreneurship.

Honours and Legacy

Over the years, Prof. Balunywa received numerous awards from academic institutions, professional bodies, and government agencies, recognising his exceptional leadership and contribution to human capital development. But perhaps the greatest honour was the intangible one: the respect and admiration of students, alumni, staff, and national leaders.

When he eventually stepped down after 25 years at the helm, it was not under a cloud of failure but at the height of his influence and respect. President Museveni himself lauded his service, noting that he had left behind a strong and thriving institution — a true model of sustainable leadership in Uganda’s public sector.

A Legacy That Must Endure

Prof. Balunywa’s story is a reminder that great institutions are not built by accident — they are built by people with courage, vision, and an unshakable belief in the potential of their country. Uganda owes him a debt of gratitude, not just for the bricks and mortar of MUBS, but for the generations of skilled, confident, and visionary leaders he helped shape.

If Uganda is to achieve its Vision 2040 goals, it will need more leaders like Prof. Balunywa — leaders who can see beyond immediate challenges and invest in building lasting systems. His example should be studied, celebrated, and emulated across all sectors.

In the words of President Museveni himself: “We must value and protect those who build for the nation. They are the pillars on which our future rests.”

Prof. Wasswa Balunywa is one of those pillars. His record speaks for itself, and his place in Uganda’s history is secure.

August 14, 2025
Uganda Hosts Aviation Weather Workshop to Strengthen Air Safety Measures
Entebbe, Uganda—The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety at a national Aviation Weather Information Workshop focused on enhancing the role of meteorology in flight operations. The two-day event, held at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, has brought together key stakeholders from the aviation and meteorological sectors to strengthen coordination, information sharing, and operational readiness.

Organized jointly by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Department of Meteorological Services under the Ministry of Water and Environment, the workshop focuses on enhancing coordination, technology use, and risk preparedness in response to weather-related aviation challenges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Meteorology, representing the Permanent Secretary Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, emphasized the vital importance of accurate and timely weather information in aviation.

“Weather is one of the most critical factors influencing aviation safety, regularity, and efficiency,” the Commissioner noted.

“Our role as meteorologists is not only to forecast but to ensure the information is precise, actionable, and seamlessly integrated into decision-making processes,” he added.

He also acknowledged Uganda’s recent strides in upgrading its meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of wind-shear detection systems (LLWAS), weather radar improvements, upper-air systems under the SOFF project, and the deployment of forecasting tools like the PUMA system.

“These investments reflect the government’s commitment to aligning with international aviation standards,” he said, while calling for continued vigilance amid rising severe weather risks fueled by climate change.

UCAA Director General Calls for Stronger Collaboration

In his remarks, the UCAA Director General reinforced the agency’s core principle, “Safety, Safety & Safety” and called for tighter collaboration between meteorologists and aviation professionals.

“Aviation is uniquely sensitive to weather from takeoff to landing. Accidents and delays linked to weather remain a global concern. Accurate forecasts and clear communication are non-negotiable,” he said.

Highlighting a sharp rise in aircraft movements at Entebbe International Airport from 21,584 in 2021 to 32,552 in 2024, the Director General urged stakeholders to match this growth with improved meteorological capacity and awareness.

“As air traffic increases, it is our responsibility to enhance aviation safety through better use of weather information,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of not only investing in modern technology like satellite imagery and predictive modelling but also ensuring professionals are trained to interpret and apply such data effectively.

Strategic Workshop Objectives

Under the theme “Fostering Coordination & Collaboration between Meteorologists and Aviation Professionals,” the workshop aims to:

Enhance early warning systems and real-time threat communication;
- Integrate new technologies, including AI, to improve forecast accuracy.
- Clarify institutional roles and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
- Promote operational decision-making based on weather intelligence.
- Build capacity in weather-related risk management.
The workshop has attracted participants from across the aviation ecosystem including pilots, airline operators, airport management, meteorologists, air traffic controllers, customs, immigration, and emergency response teams.

A Whole-of-Sector Approach

Representing Entebbe International Airport, the General Manager of the Directorate of Airports and Aviation Security welcomed delegates and stressed that addressing weather-related challenges requires a whole-of-sector approach.

“This workshop is not just timely—it is essential,” he said. “Weather is a defining factor for flight safety, and our collaboration must reflect that reality.”

Looking to the Future

Over the next two days, technical sessions will cover best practices in aerodrome weather management, integration of meteorological data in airport operations, and collaborative strategies for safeguarding Uganda’s airspace.

“Let us use this workshop to share knowledge, close gaps, and develop practical solutions that will safeguard our skies. The lives of passengers, crew, and the integrity of our aviation infrastructure depend on the work we do.” Commissioner for Meteorology concluded.
August 14, 2025
NRM tribunal cancels Terego West MP primary results, declares new winner

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries tribunal has cancelled the earlier victory of Mose Anguduru as the party’s flagbearer for Terego West Constituency. Instead, the tribunal declared Eric Dramviru Sabiiti as the rightful winner.

The decision came after the tribunal reviewed two complaints, one from Sabiiti and another from Allen Kizito, challenging the fairness of the July 17, 2025, primary election. Originally, Anguduru was declared the winner with 3,150 votes, narrowly ahead of Kizito and Sabiiti.

However, serious concerns were raised, including:

Vote tally errors: Anguduru was wrongly given 325 votes in Abindi village, instead of the actual 5.

Missing votes: Votes from 12 villages were not counted.

Election misconduct: Accusations of bias, delayed results, and blocked access to results forms.

The tribunal merged both petitions because they raised similar concerns against Anguduru. After reviewing evidence, including declaration forms and electronic records, the tribunal found strong proof of vote manipulation and voter disenfranchisement.

Anguduru denied all wrongdoing, blaming any mistakes on the NRM Electoral Commission, not himself. But the tribunal disagreed, stating the irregularities clearly affected the final outcome.

After a fresh vote count, the new results showed Sabiiti garnering 4,037 votes, Anguduru 2,816 votes, Animu Agupale 2,786 votes, Abdulkadir Anguzu 2,396, Kizito 2,080, and Joel Leku: 1,865.

The tribunal officially declared Sabiiti as the NRM flagbearer for Terego West in the 2026 general election, replacing Anguduru.

They also ordered the NRM Electoral Commission to update their records.

This decision is rare because it not only overturned results but gave victory to someone who had originally come third. Legal experts say this could influence how future internal party election disputes are handled.

August 14, 2025
Absa Bank Uganda and Tata Uganda Partner to Help Schools Access Affordable, Reliable Buses

Kampala, Uganda – Absa Bank Uganda has partnered with Tata Uganda to make it easier for schools across the country to acquire safe, modern, and reliable buses for their learners. This partnership will address one of the education sector’s most persistent challenges namely affordable, quality school transport.

Through the partnership, schools will be able to access high-value asset financing with zero arrangement fees, flexible five-year termly repayments, and zero interest in the first academic year. The package is designed to ease the financial burden on educational institutions, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas, enabling them to modernise their fleets without disrupting 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 the cost barriers schools face in acquiring quality transport solutions, we are also safeguarding the wellbeing of our children and contributing to a better learning environment.”

Many schools in Uganda have long struggled to finance the purchase of new buses due to high upfront costs, limited financing options, and term-based income cycles. As a result, institutions often rely on outdated or unsafe vehicles, putting learners at risk and impacting attendance. The Absa–Tata solution directly addresses these challenges by pairing affordable finance with Tata’s robust, school-ready buses.

“Our vision at Tata has always been to deliver durable, reliable, and cost-effective transport solutions,” said Auto Head, Tata Uganda Limited. “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

The official signing took place at Tata Uganda’s premises and was attended by Judah Mphela, Absa Africa Regions Head of Business Banking; Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda; Albert Byaruhanga, Business Banking Director; and Anne Wachira, Head of Asset Finance, alongside Tata Uganda’s leadership team led by Devdatta Chitale, Auto Head, and Stanislaus Pink, Head of Sales. The delegation toured Tata’s operations to gain first-hand insight into the production and quality standards behind the buses.

This collaboration reinforces Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to providing tailored financial solutions that empower communities, and Tata Uganda’s mission to deliver transport that meets the country’s evolving education needs.

August 14, 2025