As schools across Uganda prepare to reopen for Term One, back-to-school costs once again place significant pressure on households, schools, and education suppliers. For many families and school owners, this period follows the festive season, when finances are already stretched.
To respond to these recurring challenges, dfcu Bank has rolled out the School Fiiz! Weight Off! campaign, an integrated back-to-school initiative designed to ease both the financial and emotional burden associated with school fees.
The campaign targets parents and guardians, schools, students, and education suppliers, offering flexible payment options, tailored financing, insurance solutions, and rewards.
We spoke with Bryan Katamba, Sector Head, Education and Health at dfcu Bank, to understand the thinking behind the campaign, why Term One is a critical focus, and how dfcu’s solutions are designed to support every player in the education value chain.
Q1: What challenge is dfcu addressing with the School Fiiz! Weight Off campaign?
A:
Back-to-school, particularly Term One, creates intense financial pressure within a very short period. Parents are required to raise school fees and meet additional costs such as uniforms, books, and supplies, while schools need funds upfront to reopen smoothly and meet operational obligations.
The School Fiiz! Weight Off! campaign is designed to ease this pressure by providing flexible school fees payment options, accessible financing, insurance cover, and incentives. By addressing both the financial and emotional strain that comes with school fees, we are helping families, schools, and education partners start the term with greater confidence and less stress.
Q2: Why did dfcu choose to focus on Term One?
A:
Term One comes immediately after the festive season, a period when many households are financially stretched. At the same time, schools require fees early to prepare for reopening, pay staff, and secure essential supplies.
Focusing on Term One allows us to support early planning and timely access to funds. This helps parents meet their obligations without unnecessary pressure, while enabling schools to reopen in a more stable and predictable way.
Q3: How does the campaign support parents and guardians?
A:
Parents and guardians can pay school fees conveniently through multiple dfcu channels, including digital platforms, agents, and branches, ensuring accessibility regardless of location.
For families that require additional support, dfcu offers unsecured personal loans of up to UGX 400 million with flexible repayment terms, as well as Mobi-Loans of up to UGX 5 million for short-term needs. In addition, weekly cash rewards of up to UGX 500,000 help ease immediate school-related expenses and encourage early action.
Q4: How are schools supported under the campaign?
A:
Schools often experience cash flow constraints at the beginning of term, before fees are fully collected. dfcu supports schools through financing solutions of up to UGX 500 million to help manage early-term operational needs.
We also provide comprehensive insurance cover to protect school assets, vehicles, staff, and students. Schools that grow their school fees collections or take up bancassurance solutions during the campaign period stand a chance to win a UGX 5 million Library Stock-Up, supporting learning outcomes beyond the immediate school term.
Q5: How does the campaign benefit education suppliers?
A:
Education suppliers are a critical part of the education ecosystem, yet they often face delayed payments during school reopening periods. Through the campaign, dfcu provides LPO, asset, and vehicle financing to ensure suppliers can deliver goods and services on time without disrupting their cash flow.
These solutions enable suppliers to remain operational during peak periods, while supporting schools to reopen smoothly and on schedule.
What is dfcu’s message to parents, schools, and education partners this back-to-school season?
We encourage parents, schools, and education partners to plan early and take advantage of the dfcu School Fiiz! Weight Off! campaign by paying school fees through dfcu’s convenient channels or accessing tailored financing and insurance solutions. By planning ahead, families and institutions can take the weight off the back-to-school season and start the new term on a stronger footing.
