As schools reopen across the country, parents, educators, and businesses brace themselves for the familiar challenges of the back-to-school season. Rising costs, long requirement lists, and logistical hurdles often weigh heavily on households and institutions alike. Recognizing these realities, dfcu Bank has launched the “Ku Mapeesa” Back-to-School campaign, a comprehensive financial support package designed to ease the burden for all players in the education ecosystem.
In an exclusive conversation with Bryan Katamba, Sector Head for Education and Health at dfcu Bank, we explore the vision behind the initiative and how it is reshaping the back-to-school experience.
The Inspiration Behind Ku Mapeesa
“Every school term brings familiar challenges—fees, long requirement lists, and traffic,” Katamba explains. “Parents, schools, and even suppliers all feel the pressure. With Ku Mapeesa, dfcu is making this season lighter by offering convenient financial solutions, digital payment options, and support for both families and institutions.”
Supporting Parents: From Fees to Future Security
For parents, dfcu has rolled out a suite of solutions to address both short-term and long-term needs:
Instant fee payments via *240#, the dfcu QuickApp, or in-branch.
MobiLoans of up to UGX 2M for urgent expenses.
Credit Cards offering up to 50 days interest-free.
Personal loans of up to UGX 250M for larger financial plans.
Education Savings accounts and Junior’s Medical Insurance for long-term security.
Stock Loans of up to UGX 5M to unlock liquidity.
“It’s a full package designed to cover immediate expenses and long-term stability,” Katamba says.
Empowering Schools: Financing for Growth
Schools, too, face significant start-of-term financial demands. dfcu’s tailored solutions include:
Bridge Financing of up to UGX 500M with fast turnaround times.
Loan buyouts to ease repayment burdens.
Vehicle & Asset Financing for essential investments like examination printing machines and solar panels.
Insurance packages for students, property, and assets.
“These solutions ensure schools run smoothly without disrupting the learning process,” Katamba adds.
Digital Convenience and Security
A cornerstone of Ku Mapeesa is its emphasis on safe, digital payments. “Parents don’t need to queue in banks or carry cash,” Katamba explains. “With School pay, SurePay and Pegpay, payments are quick, safe, and trackable—cutting down on stress during this high-traffic season.”
Beyond Parents and Schools: A Boost for Businesses
dfcu’s initiative also extends to school suppliers, who often face restocking challenges at the start of term. Through access to financing, these businesses can meet the surge in demand for uniforms, books, and scholastic materials—ensuring that the entire education ecosystem keeps moving.
Why Now?
“The back-to-school season is a high-pressure period,” Katamba notes. “Many parents struggle with lump-sum fees, schools juggle operational costs, and suppliers face restocking challenges. Ku Mapeesa makes it all simpler by giving every stakeholder the financial flexibility and digital convenience they need.”
The Big Picture
At its core, Ku Mapeesa is about partnership. “dfcu is more than a bank—it’s a partner in the education sector,” Katamba concludes. “Through Ku Mapeesa, we’re bringing convenience, security, and support to families, schools, and businesses. Together, we’re ensuring smoother school preparations today while investing in tomorrow’s opportunities.”
