ENTEBBE, Uganda –Pearl Bank, Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) have announced a 4 Year strategic partnership towards the establishment of a specialized Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) centre intended to expand access to life-saving treatment for patients suffering from sickle cell disease, HIV-related complications, and other complex blood disorders. The announcement was made at JCRC Offices in Lubowa, Entebbe.
JCRC aims to raise USD 4 million through a fundraising drive to establish the BMT facility, which will help to address critical gaps in Uganda’s specialized healthcare infrastructure, enhance local capacity for advanced treatment, and position JCRC as a regional leader in innovative therapies, including stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.
During the event, Pearl Bank, which is the financial partner handed over a dummy cheque worth UGX 200 million towards the BMT facility, as part of the 4-year partnership.
An online payment link will be hosted on Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC)’s website to enable well-wishers to conveniently make donations towards the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre through multiple channels, including mobile money platforms, Visa or Mastercard payments, and QR scan codes, and channeled into the Pearl Bank account.
Pearl Bank Managing Director, Julius Kakeeto, mentioned that this partnership is not just a philanthropic endeavor, but a strategic investment that aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s overarching national development framework , particularly the Agro-Industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology Innovation (ATMS) strategy.
The ATMS Strategy is Uganda’s blueprint for achieving a ten-fold growth, with the Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) pillar recognized as the crucial accelerator for value addition across all sectors. Our support for the JCRC BMT Centre directly strengthens this pillar by advancing medical research, expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure, and building local capacity in highly specialized medical procedures.
He added, “One of our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) pillars is health because we believe that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and we are pleased to form a 4-year strategic partnership with JCRC towards this noble cause. And one of the wards will be named the Pearl Ward.”
Disease Burden and Urgency.
Uganda continues to face a severe burden of hematological diseases:
17,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year, and up to 80% die before their fifth birthday due to limited access to timely, specialized care
One in seven Ugandans carries the sickle cell trait, reflecting a high population level genetic risk
More than 34,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, resulting in over 22,000 deaths, with blood cancers particularly leukemia and lymphoma in children making a significant contribution to this mortality burden.
Bone marrow transplant is a proven, lifesaving intervention for sickle cell disease and a range of serious benign and malignant blood disorders, including leukemia and lymphoma.
In addition to its curative potential for these conditions, bone marrow transplant has also provided important scientific insights for HIV research. To date, nine individuals living with HIV who underwent bone marrow transplant for underlying blood cancers have achieved complete remission of both their cancer and HIV, offering critical clues that continue to inform global HIV CURE research.
The Guest of Honour, Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo emphasized the transformative potential of the project. He said, “Uganda has always been a beacon of resilience in Africa. With the launch of this Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, we are not just saving lives, we are restoring hope. This is Rotary at its best: service above self, transforming communities.”
Prof. Charles Ibingira, Chairperson of the JCRC Board, highlighted the long-awaited relief the center will bring, mentioning that patients have endured immense strain seeking treatment abroad. This center ensures Ugandans can access worldclass care at home, dignified, equitable, and lifesaving.
Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a healthy society. She said, “This centre aligns fully with Vision 2040. It is a national milestone and a promise that no Ugandan will be left behind in the fight against sickle cell disease and cancer.”
Speaking at the BMT Launch drive, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Monica Musenero said, “I stand here in two capacities. First, as the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, responsible for mobilizing government support for critical institutions like the Joint Clinical Research Centre, I can confirm that this project has government attention and will be supported.”
“Secondly, I stand here as a proud Sickle Cell Ambassador. I was appointed to advocate for sickle cell awareness and resource mobilization wherever I go. This cause is deeply personal and nationally important. In that spirit, and beginning with myself, I commit $1,000 toward this initiative.” Hon. Musenero added.
Executive Director of JCRC, Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluúza, stated, “This center is about hope, dignity, and giving Ugandans a second chance at life. We call on individuals, corporations, governments, and partners to join this mission. Every contribution counts.”
Dr. Kityo applauded Pearl Bank for joining this noble cause as the headline sponsor and revealed that the UGX 200 support will go a long way in the establishment of the much-needed facility.
The banks’ support to JCRC demonstrates its efforts and commitment to champion sustainable initiatives that are aligned with its overall strategy and purpose of Fostering Prosperity for Ugandans, implemented through its two high impact goals; To drive sustainable financial inclusion and To stimulate entrepreneurship and service.
As part of its strategic position, Pearl Bank’s 5-year journey is comprises of the rebrand phase that kick started last year, ushering in the transition period from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank, which is more than a name change but an opportunity to leverage business within the country and across the region as it continues to extend tailored financial solutions that usher Ugandans to the endless opportunities that inspire their growth and prosperity.
About Pearl Bank
Pearl Bank’s heritage spans over 28 years of Growth and Prosperity.
The Banks’ journey started in 1998, after having operated as a Post Office Savings Department from 1926 then evolved to PostBank Uganda Limited, a government-owned institution dedicated to expanding access to affordable savings and credit services.
In 2023, the bank embarked on a 5-year strategic plan that is aligned with its tagline Grow. Prosper, an abridged version of its purpose of Fostering Prosperity for Ugandans, which is implemented through its high-impact goals: To drive sustainable financial inclusion and To stimulate entrepreneurship and services.
The Bank is a limited liability company that was incorporated under the Companies Act in 1998 and is owned by the Government of Uganda with 100% shareholding.
Pearl Bank is a fully-fledged commercial bank, boasts a wide branch network of 59 branches countrywide, and over 8,000 Agents. These are complemented by Pearl Bank App, Pearl Online, and smart ATMs.
About JCRC
Established in 1991, the Joint Clinical Research Centre is a leading institution in medical research, training, and specialized care. JCRC pioneered antiretroviral therapy in Uganda and continues to drive innovations in HIV management, sickle cell treatment, and now, advanced cell and gene therapy. The BMT Unit positions Uganda as a regional leader in cutting-edge curative medicine.
