FinCom Technologies has launched the SchoolPay School Fees Savings Campaign.
The initiative is designed to help parents manage school fees more efficiently and ensure that no child misses school due to financial constraints.
Dennis Wandera, product manager overseeing SchoolPay, says the SchoolPay School Fees Savings Campaign seeks to address the everyday financial challenges faced by parents.
“Many families struggle to raise lump-sum school fees,” he says. “Through this solution, parents can save small amounts, even as little as UGX 5,000 a day, towards their children’s education.”
By saving UGX 5,000 daily, a parent can accumulate UGX 150,000 in a month or UGX 300,000 in two months, enough to cover fees in many schools.
The funds are purpose-locked for school fees and cannot be withdrawn for other uses, promoting financial discipline and preparedness.
Who benefits?
The primary beneficiaries are parents and schools. With parents able to save manageable amounts while earning daily interest of 8%, made possible through a partnership with Sanlam Investment.
On the other hand, schools benefit from guaranteed, direct receipt of fees since funds are transferred straight to their accounts.
Reaching parents
To reach more families, FinCom Technologies has partnered with Airtel Uganda for bulk SMS campaigns and community activations in markets such as Busega, Bugoloobi, Nakawa, and soon Kalerwe.
These engagements sensitise parents about SchoolPay’s benefits while offering convenience, parents no longer have to take time off work to make payments.
Support and training
Field teams guide parents through registration, provide after-sales support, and clarify processes, such as the 24-hour fund processing period, to ensure transparency and trust.
Inclusivity and reach
While the product primarily targets low-and middle-income earners, it’s open to anyone whose child’s school is registered on SchoolPay.
High-income parents, often paying fees upfront, are also being reached through digital ads and social media campaigns.
If a child’s school isn’t registered, a SchoolPay team member reaches out to the school on behalf of the parent.
In most cases, schools are quick to join once they understand the convenience and demand from parents.
Energy Ministry Orders UEDCL Board to Investigate Top Management Over Performance GapsHowever, if a school declines, parents cannot use the service since each child’s unique payment code is tied to their school’s registration.
International schools and future plans
Several international schools have joined the platform through partnerships with banks promoting digital payment solutions. As awareness grows, more are expected to follow suit.
FinCom Technologies also plans to introduce long-term education saving accounts for parents whose children are not yet in school, expanding access to early educational planning.
Leveraging technology
To make saving seamless, FinCom Technologies is developing an automated standing order system, allowing parents to schedule recurring savings, such as weekly deductions of UGX 5,000, without manual transactions.
What makes SchoolPay unique
Unlike traditional savings accounts, SchoolPay is purpose-driven. The funds are locked for education expenses only, fostering discipline and ensuring parents are always ready for a new term. Unused balances continue to earn daily interest, supporting financial growth.
Promoting financial literacy
Through market activations, the campaign also promotes financial literacy. Parents learn the value of targeted saving and interest accumulation, encouraging a culture of consistency and responsible financial planning.
Targets and vision
SchoolPay aims to reach one million active savers, empowering families across Uganda to invest in education sustainably.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to use digital innovation to improve lives,” says Wandera. “Education transforms communities, and digital tools like SchoolPay make it accessible to all.”
How to join
Parents can join the platform by dialing *185*6*2# on Airtel and following these steps:
- Choose School Payments.
- Select School Fees Savings (Option 3).
- Enter the child’s payment code to validate details.
- Nominate a withdrawal number.
- Enter the amount to save and confirm with your PIN.
An auto-deduction option is also being introduced for regular weekly or monthly savings.
Message to parents, schools, and policymakers
“If we want a well-educated nation, we must invest in our children,” Wandera emphasizes. “Saving early and consistently for education ensures a brighter, more secure future for every family.”
Though SchoolPay launched only recently, FinCom Technologies continues to innovate, expanding its features to serve parents better and strengthen Uganda’s education financing ecosystem.
