The Chief Walker, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the Executive Director of Mulago Hospital (Right) and David Bahati (Left), the State Minister for Trade in the ministry of Trade and Cooperatives boosted the walk
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The fight against Sickle Cell disease in Uganda has been boosted through renewed partnerships and growing national awareness campaigns aimed at improving screening, treatment and support for thousands of families living with the condition.
This was evident over the weekend as dfcu Bank, in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital, hosted the “Hope in Motion” Walk for Sickle Cell in Kampala, attracting hundreds of participants in a united call for increased awareness, blood donation and stronger support systems for Sickle Cell warriors.
The walk brought together dfcu staff, healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, caregivers, volunteers, government officials and individuals living with Sickle Cell disease, transforming the streets of Kampala into a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope.
The initiative forms part of dfcu Bank’s sustainability and community outreach programmes as the bank celebrates 62 years of operations in Uganda. It also builds on ongoing support being extended through the dfcu–Rotary Uganda Health Camps aimed at improving access to healthcare services across the country.
A cross section of participants who took part in the walk, which was held over the weekend
Uganda remains one of the countries with the highest Sickle Cell burden globally. Health experts estimate that between 20,000 and 25,000 babies are born with the disease every year, while nearly 20 percent of the population carries the Sickle Cell trait. The condition remains particularly prevalent in Northern Uganda, where many families continue to struggle with repeated hospital visits, chronic pain crises and mounting medical costs.
Sickle Cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, often causing severe pain, anaemia, infections and organ complications. Without early diagnosis and proper treatment, the disease can significantly affect the quality of life and survival of children born with the condition.
dfcu Bank’s involvement in the fight against Sickle Cell disease began in 2024 during its 60th Anniversary celebrations under the “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign, a staff-led initiative focused on education, health and community outreach.
According to Helena Mayanja, interactions with patients and caregivers at Mulago Hospital opened the bank’s eyes to the realities faced by many families.
“Our involvement in the Sickle Cell journey started during dfcu’s 60th Anniversary through the dfcu staff-led 60 Acts of Kindness campaign. What began as a simple outreach to the Mulago Sickle Cell wards opened our eyes to the realities many families face daily. We interacted with warriors, caregivers and health workers and realised there was need for sustained support and awareness,” she said.
Mayanja noted that the “Hope in Motion” Walk was designed to sustain awareness campaigns while mobilising support for better patient care and improved facilities at the Mulago Sickle Cell Clinic.
“Today, we are raising awareness, promoting Sickle Cell screening and encouraging blood donation. Our initial objective was to refurbish the sanitary facilities at the Sickle Cell Clinic in Mulago, which serves over 200 people daily. We set out to raise funding for this purpose, but generous contributions from dfcu staff have already surpassed our set goal,” she said.
The Chief Walker, Rosemary Byanyima, described the campaign as a timely intervention that continues to restore hope among affected families.
Participants who took part in the walk
She explained that many children living with Sickle Cell disease experience recurring pain crises, severe Anaemia, infections and other life-threatening complications that affect school attendance and place heavy financial burdens on caregivers.
Dr. Byanyima also welcomed the Ministry of Health’s recent rollout of mandatory newborn screening for Sickle Cell disease, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening early diagnosis and reducing severe complications among children born with the condition.
She emphasised the need for continued government support to ensure consistent access to treatment and specialised care services across the country.
Also attending the walk was David Bahati, who commended dfcu Bank for using its anniversary celebrations to address critical national health challenges.
“I commend dfcu Bank for stepping forward to support such an important national cause. Sickle Cell Disease continues to affect many families across Uganda, yet awareness and support remain limited. Initiatives like the ‘Hope in Motion’ Walk help bring visibility, encourage screening and mobilise communities to stand together in support of patients and caregivers. This is the kind of corporate leadership that creates lasting impact beyond business,” he said.
Meanwhile, Philip Kasirye said Mulago Hospital hosts Uganda’s oldest and largest Sickle Cell care centre, established in 1968.
He applauded efforts to decentralise Sickle Cell services to regional referral hospitals and district health facilities, saying this would improve access to specialised care for patients outside Kampala.
Through the “Hope in Motion” campaign, dfcu Bank hopes to transform awareness into practical action by supporting healthcare infrastructure, increasing blood donation drives, encouraging early screening and strengthening support systems for Uganda’s growing Sickle Cell community.
