As the third term of the 2024 school year approached, many parents in Uganda found themselves grappling with the burden of school fees.
But thanks to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s campaign, “Oli Sorted for Shuwa,” a lifeline was extended to those facing financial hardship. The initiative, which offers credit facilities to both consumer and commercial clients, has enabled many parents to keep their children in school despite the odds. Bbeg Media spoke to some of them.
For 40-year-old Justine Namugerwa, a resident of Wakiso district, paying school fees for her children has always been a challenge.
“It is stressful and one time I almost died of stress,” she told Bbeg Media. She nows says Stanbic Bank’s campaign was a blessing.
“I have three children in primary and secondary school, and paying their fees in one go has always been a struggle. With Stanbic’s help, I was able to secure a loan without the usual bureaucracy, and my children started their term without delay. The peace of mind this has brought me is beyond words.”
In Kampala, 40-year-old taxi driver John Ssemwanga echoed similar sentiments. “The third term is always tough for us because business slows down after the rainy season. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pay for my two daughters’ fees. But with ‘Oli Sorted for Shuwa,’ the loan process was quick, and I got the money just in time. My girls didn’t miss a single day of school.”
The campaign also touched families in Mbarara, where Jane Atwooki, a 38-year-old single mother of two, struggled to balance her income from a small retail shop and the rising cost of education.
“I always feared that I would have to pull my children out of school, especially in the third term when exams are near. When I heard about the campaign, I applied for a loan, and it was approved in just two days. This has enabled me to continue providing for my children’s education.”
For many parents, like 50-year-old Robert Lwanga, who has a small farm in Wakiso, the campaign offered a lifeline that not only helped his family but also kept his dreams alive.
“Farming has been unpredictable this year, and by the time the third term fees were due, I had nothing. I applied for a loan through the campaign, and now my son is back in secondary school. I cannot thank Stanbic enough for stepping in when I needed it the most.”
The “Oli Sorted for Shuwa” campaign not only addressed financial challenges but also restored hope for parents like 42-year-old Sylvia Katushabe from Mbarara.
“I was so anxious about where to get the money for school fees, and it was affecting my health. Stanbic Bank’s campaign gave me the option to pay back in manageable installments, and it lifted such a heavy burden off my shoulders. I feel like I can breathe again,” she said.
For others, the campaign was more than just about school fees. It helped parents, like 51-year-old Peter Serunjonji to stabilize their finances.
“This term, I needed to pay fees for my four children, but also meet rent and other family obligations. I used the campaign to access credit that helped me balance all these needs. It has truly been a lifesaver,” he said.
As Stanbic Bank’s “Oli Sorted for Shuwa” campaign continues to empower families facing financial difficulties, its effect on education is undeniable. For parents like these, the initiative has given them the ability to plan better, invest in their children’s futures, and contribute to the larger economy.
With children back in school and families’ financial worries eased, Stanbic Bank’s innovative campaign is proving that financial solutions can be transformative, not only for individuals but for the community at large.