Officials from Pearl Bank, Buganda Kingdom, JCRC, Rotary, among others unveiling the campaign at Bulange Mengo last week
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A major fundraising campaign aimed at transforming Uganda’s healthcare landscape has been unveiled, with Pearl Bank joining forces with key partners to raise up to $4 million for the establishment of the country’s first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in partnership with Rotary International and Rotary Uganda, seeks to bring life-saving treatment closer to thousands of Ugandans suffering from blood-related illnesses.
As part of its commitment, Pearl Bank has stepped forward as the financial partner, contributing Shs 200 million towards the cause. The bank will also facilitate a seamless donation process through an online payment link to be hosted on JCRC’s website, allowing well-wishers to contribute via mobile money platforms, Visa and Mastercard, QR codes, and direct bank deposits into a designated Pearl Bank account.
The campaign has drawn strong support from the Buganda Kingdom, with the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, hailing the initiative as a landmark step in advancing Uganda’s healthcare system.
Mayiga commended JCRC, Pearl Bank and Rotary Uganda for spearheading what he described as a “noble cause” that will significantly reduce the need for Ugandans to seek expensive treatment abroad.
The planned BMT facility, to be located in Lubowa, is expected to provide specialized treatment for conditions such as sickle cell disease, leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening blood disorders. Currently, patients requiring such procedures are forced to travel overseas, often at prohibitive costs.
Once completed, the centre will position Uganda as a regional hub for advanced medical care, with East Africa hosting only two such facilities—one in Uganda and another in Kenya.
Dr. Cissy Kityo, Executive Director of JCRC, emphasized the transformative impact of the project, noting that it will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to handle complex medical procedures.
“This facility will not only treat sickle cell disease, which affects many families across the country, but will also position Uganda as a hub for specialized care in the region,” she said.
Kityo added that while significant groundwork and investment have already been made, an additional $4 million is required to complete the facility and make it operational.
Rotary International has taken a leading role in mobilizing support for the campaign, with District Governors Geoffrey Martin Kitakule and Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, alongside Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole, championing the initiative.
Pearl Bank Managing Director, Julius Kakeeto, described the partnership as more than a philanthropic gesture, noting that it aligns with Uganda’s broader development goals.
“The ATMS Strategy is Uganda’s blueprint for achieving ten-fold growth, with Science, Technology and Innovation as a key driver. Our support for the JCRC BMT Centre strengthens this pillar by advancing medical research and expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure,” Kakeeto said.
He added that the project also supports the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which focuses on socio-economic transformation and improving quality of life.
“By providing access to life-saving treatments, the BMT Centre will significantly improve public health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations. Localizing these services will reduce the financial burden on patients and the national healthcare system,” he said.
The initiative reflects Pearl Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment philosophy, which is anchored on Scale, Impact and Sustainability, with a focus on health, education, enterprise development and environmental protection.
The bank’s involvement also signals its renewed strategic direction following its transition from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank, a move aimed at expanding its footprint and delivering tailored financial solutions to Ugandans.
Founded in 1991, JCRC has been at the forefront of medical innovation in Uganda, pioneering antiretroviral therapy and advancing research in HIV management and sickle cell treatment. The establishment of the BMT facility marks its latest milestone in delivering cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
As fundraising efforts gain momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic that the campaign will attract widespread support, enabling Uganda to take a significant step toward self-reliance in specialized medical treatment and offering renewed hope to thousands of patients and their families.
