Busoga High School in Kamuli has received a brand new 2025 Isuzu 67-seater school bus from Equity Bank Uganda in a move aimed at improving the safety of learners during school transport.
The bus was acquired through Equity Bank Uganda’s asset financing programme and is fitted with onboard surveillance cameras to improve safety, accountability and monitoring while transporting students.
The handover comes at a time when Uganda is facing growing concern over the safety of learners on the road following a series of fatal accidents involving school children. The recent crashes prompted the Ministry of Education and Sports to suspend school tours and trips as investigations continue.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the chairperson of the school board, Dr Kakuba Mpango, urged the driver to observe the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.
“A school bus carries the future of this nation. Drive carefully, obey traffic regulations and always remember that parents are entrusting you with their children,” Mpango said.
To emphasise the importance of safety, the school invited a priest to bless the new bus and its driver, praying for God’s protection over every journey.
The Kamuli Municipal Education Officer, Ivan Wakabi, who was the chief guest, praised Equity Bank Uganda for supporting the education sector beyond traditional banking services.
He said acquiring modern and well-equipped school buses is one practical way of reducing road accidents involving learners.
“The safety of our children on the road has become a major concern, especially for learners who walk long distances along busy roads or rely on unregulated public transport,” Wakabi said.
“Having a dedicated school bus greatly reduces these risks and gives parents peace of mind.”
He added that many students walk between two and three kilometres to and from school every day, exposing them to traffic dangers.
“This new bus provides a safe and controlled environment where our learners are protected during their daily commute,” he said.
Wakabi also called on school administrators across the country to invest in roadworthy vehicles and enforce strict safety standards through regular vehicle maintenance, responsible driving and full compliance with traffic regulations.
Speaking on behalf of Equity Bank Uganda, Jinja branch manager Tom Mwanje reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting educational institutions through affordable and flexible financing solutions.
He said the bank offers asset financing for school vehicles and equipment, development financing for projects such as dormitories, science laboratories and classrooms, as well as bridge financing to help schools manage short-term cash flow, payroll and maintenance expenses.
“Equity Bank offers a complete suite of financial solutions for educational institutions to help them invest in quality infrastructure without putting pressure on their cash flow,” Mwanje said.
The bank noted that reliable school transport is essential not only for academic and co-curricular activities but also for protecting the lives of learners and staff.
The newly acquired 67-seater Isuzu bus is expected to improve the school’s transport capacity while giving parents greater confidence in the safety of their children whenever they travel.
Stakeholders at the ceremony agreed that improving learner safety requires a collective effort involving schools, parents, financial institutions, government agencies and drivers.
