KABAROLE – Stanbic Bank Uganda, in partnership with Busaiga SACCO, has organized a free medical camp and donated essential medical equipment to Nyantabooma Health Centre III in Fort Portal, aimed at improving maternal healthcare and strengthening local health services.
The event, held at the health facility in Harugongo Sub-county, saw over 350 patients receive free medical attention, including cancer screenings, diabetes and blood pressure tests, and HIV testing. The donation, valued at UGX 20 million, included a modern centrifuge, oxygen concentrators, fetal dopplers, blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, and 200 mama kits.
According to Tunde Thorpe, Executive Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting inclusive growth through partnerships that uplift communities—especially women, youth, and farmers.
“This donation is more than a gesture of goodwill. It reflects our purpose: ‘Uganda is our home; we drive her growth.’ No woman should go through childbirth without access to proper care and essential tools,” Thorpe said.
Nyantabooma Health Centre III, established in 1993, serves a catchment population of over 17,000 patients annually, handling about 200 antenatal visits and 50 deliveries each month. However, with only 17 staff members, the facility faces a high doctor-to-patient ratio—nearly 1:1,000, twice the global recommended standard.
The centre’s In-Charge, Dr. Moses Gumisiriza, expressed appreciation for the support, saying the new equipment will significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes and reduce patient referrals to Fort Portal Hospital.
“This support is timely. Our teenage pregnancy rate is at 27%—the highest in the district—so enhancing our capacity to care for young mothers is critical,” Dr. Gumisiriza said.
Mercy Kusemererwa, General Manager of Busaiga SACCO, lauded the partnership, calling it a joint effort to ensure better healthcare access in the region.
“Healthy communities are the foundation of sustainable development. Our collaboration with Stanbic demonstrates the impact of aligning financial services with social responsibility,” she said.
Since 2021, Stanbic Bank has donated more than 22,000 mama kits and medical equipment to over 85 health facilities across Uganda, driven largely by its Employee Community Initiative Programme.
Thorpe emphasized that the bank’s outreach aligns with global goals, including Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for Development under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also acknowledged the role of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in championing social transformation in the Tooro Kingdom.
Local leaders also voiced their support. Godfrey Musumba, Chairperson of Harugongo Sub-county, urged residents to take advantage of the improved services and stop relying on distant health facilities.
“The fear of non-functional medical equipment is behind us. Our health centre can now handle antenatal care and safe deliveries efficiently,” Musumba stated.
Dr. Brian Kisembo from the Kabarole District Health Office echoed the importance of preventive care, noting that 70–80% of health conditions seen at hospitals could be avoided through better hygiene and nutrition practices at the household level.
