Stanbic Bank Uganda has committed UGX 200 million to the second edition of the Independence Marathon, reinforcing its commitment to improving maternal healthcare and reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Uganda.
The marathon, scheduled for October 4 under the theme “Save a Mother,” aims to raise awareness and mobilise resources to strengthen maternal health services at Mengo Hospital. The initiative brings together the private sector, government, development partners, and the public to address Uganda’s high maternal mortality rate, particularly deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage.
Speaking at the launch, Lois Kwikiriza, Senior Marketing Manager at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the sponsorship forms part of the bank’s celebrations marking 35 years of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. She noted that Stanbic has consistently invested in communities through initiatives that improve the lives of women, youth, and farmers, adding that the marathon provides a powerful platform to advance safe motherhood.
Kwikiriza revealed that, through partnerships with the Ministry of Health and the Corporate Society for Safe Motherhood, Stanbic has supported more than 80 health facilities across the country with infrastructure upgrades, medical equipment, and maternal health interventions.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda records approximately 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with nearly 60 percent linked to postpartum haemorrhage—a condition that can largely be prevented through timely medical care and adequate health facilities.
Also supporting the initiative is Old Mutual Uganda. Its Business Transformation Manager, Antony Mutyabule, said the company’s partnership reflects its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles through its Thrive Digital Wellness platform while supporting efforts to save mothers’ lives.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Robert Kabushenga said the Independence Marathon was established to create a world-class road race while giving Ugandans a meaningful way to celebrate Independence. He announced that this year’s event will start and finish at Mandela National Stadium, with the Northern Bypass serving as the professionally managed race route.
Last year’s inaugural marathon attracted thousands of participants and, together with proceeds from the Stanbic-sponsored Entebbe Match Play Series, supported improvements in healthcare services at Entebbe Regional Hospital.
Organisers are optimistic that this year’s expanded partnerships will attract even more runners while raising vital resources to improve maternal healthcare across Uganda.
