Housing Finance Bank takes education loans to campuses

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Housing Finance Bank (HFB) is taking education financing closer to students and families through a campus-based campaign aimed at easing the financial pressure associated with university education, it said on Aug.5 in a media statement.

Through its “Tugende Mu Class” campaign, the bank is engaging students at Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Kyambogo University, offering education loan solutions to support tuition payments, technology needs and other academic requirements.

The initiative comes at a time when the cost of higher education continues to rise, with students increasingly requiring access to digital tools such as laptops, online learning platforms and research resources to successfully complete their academic programmes.

Beyond tuition fees, many students and families face additional costs including accommodation, learning materials and digital devices, creating financial barriers that can affect academic progress.

Housing Finance Bank said the campaign is designed to provide practical solutions by bringing financial services directly to students as they begin a new semester.

Eligible applicants under the programme can access up to Shs5 million in school fees financing, alongside an additional Shs3 million laptop support facility to help students acquire essential technology for digital learning, research and coursework.

Speaking during the campus activations, John Veve, Head of Sales Coordination at Housing Finance Bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to making education financing more accessible to students and their families.

“Education remains one of the most important investments a family can make, but financial constraints should not limit a student’s ability to pursue their ambitions. Our goal through the Tugende Mu Class campaign is to simplify access to education financing by meeting students and parents where they are and providing solutions that address real needs beyond tuition,” he said.

The campaign also provides students with access to wider banking services, including on-the-spot account opening, financial literacy sessions and guidance on managing personal finances while at university.

HFB said its presence on campuses is aimed at helping students make informed financial decisions while providing convenient access to services that support their academic journey.

The bank’s engagement with students comes as thousands of learners, including freshers and continuing students, return to universities and manage the financial demands associated with a new academic semester.

Badru Kabogoza, the main organiser of the Kyambogo University Bazaar, said having financial institutions directly on campus helps address practical challenges students and parents face.

“Navigating university life can be overwhelming, especially for freshers who are adjusting to new academic demands. Having Housing Finance Bank directly on campus gives students and parents access to practical solutions, from education financing to account opening, making the transition easier and more convenient,” he said.

The initiative highlights the growing role of financial institutions in supporting access to education beyond traditional banking services.

As Uganda’s education sector increasingly embraces digital learning, access to affordable financing has become critical in ensuring students have the tools needed to compete in a technology-driven academic environment.

Housing Finance Bank said students, parents and guardians visiting Makerere University, MUBS and Kyambogo University can interact with its teams during the semester-opening activities to learn more about education loan solutions and access banking support.

The bank continues to position education financing as part of its broader commitment to supporting individuals and families through relevant financial solutions.