Motorcycle manufacturer, Bajaj Auto Limited and the Kampala Metropolitan Boda-boda Association have partnered in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that has seen the refurbishment of Kisugu Church of Uganda Primary School.
The exercise that commenced on October 29, 2014 is a result of concerted efforts from Bajaja Auto Limited with the help of the boda-boda association members. The refurbishment of the school infrastructure included painting of the interior and exterior of the classroom blocks, office blocks and replacement of broken window panes.
Speaking during the official handover of the refurbished school, Mr. Pramod Lal, the Bajaj Chief Operating Officer said that investing in Education leaning initiatives is a sure way of ushering in a growth oriented society and ultimately a strong and prosperous nation.
“Education is an investment and that is why we also need to invest in proper infrastructure so as to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils. We believe education is the most important growth driver for the social–economic transformation of Uganda. Investing in education should therefore be a top priority for everyone in the community,” he said.
Pramod also added that Bajaj Auto has since time immemorial placed sustainable projects that benefit society over long periods as the main catalyst when identifying Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
“The company believes in giving back to society through various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives like mechanics skill upgrading, providing livelihood and safety initiatives in partnership with KCCA. Now, we have partnered with the boda-boda association for welfare of our pupils. We strongly believe that the refurbished structures will help in pupil and teacher retention,” he remarked.
The Supervisor Education and Social Services at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Mr. Paul Malalawho presided as Chief Guest at the handover, commended Bajaj Auto and the Boda-boda operators for identifying education as an area that needs constant support.
“Many times we have branded the boda-bodas as a nuisance in our city. The truth though is that they have become an integral part of our transport system. What we at KCCA are doing is to find ways in which we can collaborate to make this mode of transport safer.
We are happy that the boda-bodas have gone out of their way to give back to the society through an education initiative,” she said.
Bajaj Auto Limited is a dominant player in Uganda with a 92% market share, its lead brand Boxer being a household name across the country.
According to Krishnamurthy, all Bajaj motorbikes are locally assembled in Kampala at its state of the art manufacturing plant and sold through a network spread across 70 Ugandan towns.
KanyikeKiviri, the Chairperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Boda-boda Association said that they were glad to partner with Bajaj Boxer because education is the bedrock of a successful society.
“We are happy to contribute to this noble cause. We (Boda-bodas) transport these children to different schools on a daily basis and by refurbishing this school, we hope that our efforts will help provide a conducive learning environment and success,” he explained.
Since 2005, Bajaj Auto has been providing employment to around 250,000 cyclists and 12,000 Ugandans through its Sales, Service, spares outlets and manufacturing plant.
Bajaj Auto also keeps providing innovative offers to its consumers like the on-going‘Win 100 bikes in 100 days’ campaign that commenced on October 1, 2014.
