dfcu Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s education sector through stronger partnerships with schools and other key stakeholders as institutions navigate rising costs, regulatory changes and the need to meet global education standards.
The bank made the commitment during an International Schools Forum held at its headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala, which brought together school owners, education regulators, curriculum providers and private sector partners to discuss challenges affecting the sector and explore opportunities for sustainable growth.
The forum comes at a time when many private and international schools are facing increased operational costs, changing regulatory requirements and growing pressure to provide globally competitive education.
Schools offering international curricula, including Cambridge, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Accelerated Christian Education (ACE), have expanded significantly in Uganda over the past decade. However, maintaining these standards requires continued investment in infrastructure, technology, teacher training and learning resources.
Many institutions also face challenges arising from foreign exchange fluctuations, which affect the cost of imported learning materials and international curriculum programmes.
Speaking at the forum, dfcu Bank Chief Executive Officer Charles Mudiwa said education remains central to Uganda’s future development.
“Schools shape the nation we become. The quality of education and the values imparted to young people ultimately determine the future of our country,” Mudiwa said.
He noted that schools are dealing with several operational challenges, including infrastructure development, resource management and maintaining academic excellence in a rapidly evolving education environment.
Drawing from his own experience in the education sector before joining banking, Mudiwa said dfcu understands the realities facing schools and is committed to supporting their long-term growth.
The bank said its support extends beyond traditional lending, focusing on building strategic partnerships that enable schools to improve operations, expand sustainably and deliver better learning outcomes.
Bryan Katamba, dfcu Bank’s Sector Head for Education and Health, said the bank is committed to supporting the wider education ecosystem.
“Our role is not just to finance schools, but to support the entire education ecosystem, helping institutions grow, operate more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for learners,” Katamba said.
Over the years, dfcu has financed various education projects across Uganda, including classroom construction, laboratory development, student facilities and land acquisition for school expansion.
The bank has also provided asset financing solutions to help schools acquire buses, equipment and other resources needed to improve service delivery and learning environments.
According to dfcu, access to sustainable financing remains critical for schools seeking to meet international standards while responding to growing demand for quality education.
Beyond supporting education institutions, the bank is also exploring ways to address financial pressures faced by parents and guardians. School fees remain a major challenge for many families, affecting student enrolment and school revenue streams.
dfcu said improving household financial resilience is important because the sustainability of schools is closely linked to families’ ability to afford quality education.
Participants at the forum highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between schools, financial institutions, regulators and curriculum providers to address challenges related to financing, compliance, quality standards and access to educational resources.
Kate Kiiza, dfcu Bank’s Executive Director for Corporate and Institutional Banking, said partnerships will be critical to the future growth of Uganda’s education sector.
“Education remains one of the most powerful drivers of prosperity. Supporting its growth is central to Uganda’s development journey,” Kiiza said.
The forum highlighted the expanding role financial institutions can play in supporting education beyond conventional banking services. Stakeholders agreed that strategic partnerships and sustainable financing solutions will be essential in ensuring quality education remains accessible, competitive and responsive to global demands.