KAMULI – Equity Bank Uganda has handed over a brand-new 2025 Isuzu 67-seater school bus to Busoga High School in Kamuli District, reinforcing efforts to improve learner safety amid growing concerns over road accidents involving school children across Uganda.
The modern bus, acquired through Equity Bank Uganda’s tailored asset financing solution, is equipped with onboard surveillance cameras designed to enhance safety, accountability and monitoring during school transport.
The handover comes at a time when Uganda is grappling with increased concerns over the safety of learners travelling for school activities. In recent weeks, several road crashes involving school vehicles have claimed the lives of students, prompting the Ministry of Education and Sports to suspend school tours and educational trips as investigations continue.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chairperson of the School Board, Dr. Kakuba Mpango, urged the school’s driver to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism while transporting learners.
“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,” Dr. Mpango said.
To emphasize the importance of safe travel, the school invited a priest to bless both the new bus and its driver, praying for God’s protection over every journey undertaken by the school.
The Kamuli Municipal Education Officer, Ivan Wakabi, who officiated as the Guest of Honour, commended Equity Bank Uganda for supporting the education sector beyond conventional banking services.
He said the acquisition of modern, well-equipped school buses is one of the practical measures that can significantly improve learner safety and reduce road accidents.
“The safety of our children on the road has been a major concern, especially with learners walking long distances along busy roads or relying on unregulated public transport. Having a dedicated school bus drastically reduces those road safety risks and gives parents peace of mind,” Wakabi said.
He noted that many learners walk two to three kilometres to and from school every day, exposing them to traffic dangers.
“This new bus provides a safe, controlled environment where our learners are protected on their daily commute,” he added.
Wakabi also urged school administrators across the country to invest in roadworthy vehicles, ensure regular maintenance and enforce strict safety standards, including responsible driving and full compliance with traffic regulations.
Representing Equity Bank Uganda, Tom Mwanje, the Jinja Branch Manager, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting educational institutions through affordable and flexible financing solutions that enable schools to invest in quality infrastructure without disrupting their cash flow.
“Equity Bank offers a complete suite of financial solutions for educational institutions, including asset financing for critical vehicles and equipment, development financing to build dormitories, science laboratories and classrooms, as well as bridge financing to help schools manage short-term cash flow gaps, payroll and maintenance needs,” Mwanje said.
He added that access to reliable and modern transport is essential not only for academic and co-curricular activities but also for safeguarding the lives of learners and school staff.
The newly acquired 67-seater Isuzu bus is expected to significantly improve Busoga High School’s transport capacity while giving parents greater confidence in the safety of their children whenever they travel.
Stakeholders at the ceremony agreed that ensuring learner safety requires a collective effort involving schools, parents, financial institutions, government agencies and drivers.
The event concluded with excitement among students, teachers and parents, who welcomed the arrival of the new bus as both a major investment in education and a timely response to the country’s growing demand for safer school transportation.
