Makerere University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Stanbic bank to enable staff and students to acquire laptops on a hire purchase basis.
This comes at a time when Makerere University is preparing to open fully for all students this week, who will study under the blended mode of learning- both physical and online lectures.
Under the arrangement, students seeking to acquire financing for new laptops will have to do so through their parents or guardians by filling out a form. The scheme will also be managed through FlexiPay an all-in-one digital solution that allows customers who have downloaded the application, to make online payments efficiently.
The laptop loans will also be regularly serviced at a price covered by the monthly payments. Sam Mwogeza, the executive head, consumer, and high net worth products at Stanbic say that students can access a loan and pay Shs 58,000 in monthly installments over a three-year period.
According to Mwogeza, to avoid risks such as theft and damage, the bank will have all laptops purchased under the scheme, fully insured. Mwogeza also said that maintenance for the laptops will be managed by students.
Makerere University vice-chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe tasked the student leadership to sensitize the student community to take advantage of the offer. At the beginning of the year, the Makerere University administration directed all first-year students to report with a laptop.
