EDUCATION: The National Private Educational Institutions Association Uganda (NPEIA-UG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SchoolPay, a leading education fintech solution under Fincom Technologies, to accelerate digital transformation across Uganda’s private education sector.
The partnership, formalized at FinCom’s offices in Kololo, seeks to address long-standing challenges that have hindered efficient school fee collection and financial management, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Through this collaboration, the two institutions plan to gradually onboard all 30,200 private schools nationwide onto the SchoolPay platform, equipping them with modern tools to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Charity Atukwatsa, Chief Executive Officer of Fincom Technologies, expressed gratitude to the NPEIA-UG leadership for formalizing the partnership. She noted that innovation remains central to Fincom’s mission and that SchoolPay has spent the past decade transforming how schools manage payments.
She explained that the SchoolPay platform was initially introduced as a digital payments solution aimed at improving transparency in schools by enabling real-time tracking and reconciliation of fees directly into official school accounts.
The system has simplified fee payment for parents, allowing them to pay conveniently using their mobile phones, eliminating delays and common excuses associated with manual payment systems.
Beyond payments, Atukwatsa revealed that the platform has evolved into a fully-fledged Enterprise Resource Planning system that supports broader school administration.
“Schools can now manage accounting processes, generate report cards, administer payroll, and oversee academic records directly on the platform. The system also includes a digital pocket money solution that reduces the risks associated with students carrying cash, enabling learners to transact electronically within school premises,” she said.
Currently, SchoolPay supports more than 20,100 schools in Uganda and 8.95 million students across Africa, facilitating over $3 billion in transactions annually. In Uganda alone, the platform is serving thousands of institutions and continues to expand its footprint.
Mr. Seruwu Alex, Secretary General of NPEIA-UG, described the collaboration as a major step toward strengthening financial transparency and structured fee collection among private schools. He noted that for years, many institutions have struggled with manual systems, delayed payments, and limited access to structured financial services, challenges that have affected sustainability and service delivery.
The Executive Director of NPEIA-UG, Mr. Orikiriza Didas, said the partnership will help reduce learner dropout rates by introducing flexible and accessible digital payment arrangements for parents. He added that improved fee management systems will also help schools control arrears, ensure predictable revenue streams, and stabilize operations, including timely payment of staff and service providers.
Established in 1994, NPEIA-UG serves as the umbrella body representing private school owners in Uganda, advocating for quality education and favorable education policies. By integrating SchoolPay’s technology with its extensive membership network, the association aims to equip schools with modern School Information Management Systems that enhance data management, communication with parents, and overall institutional efficiency.
Fincom Technologies, a subsidiary of Service Cops Limited, brings over 15 years of fintech experience across 10 markets and holds ISO certifications in Quality Management and Information Security.
The two institutions expressed optimism that the partnership will not only modernize school financing but also strengthen Uganda’s broader education ecosystem through secure, transparent, and innovative digital solutions.
