By Lilian Ntege
Stanbic Bank, in partnership with Busaiga SACCO, has boosted maternal and community healthcare in Kabarole District through a free medical camp and the donation of modern medical equipment to Nyantabooma Health Centre III.
During a ceremony held at the health facility in Harugongo Sub-county, Tunde Thorpe, Executive Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, underscored the bank’s commitment to improving healthcare access for communities across Uganda.
“This donation is not merely a gesture of goodwill, it embodies our purpose Uganda is our home, we drive her growth. Maternal health lies at the heart of this mission, and we believe no woman should face childbirth risks without access to dignity and essential medical tools,” Thorpe said.
He noted that Stanbic’s community initiatives align with global development priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals on Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals.
The bank’s contribution, valued at UGX 20 million, including a modern centrifuge, two fetal dopplers, two oxygen concentrators, four blood pressure machines, five Littmann Classic II stethoscopes, and 200 mama kits.
These items are expected to significantly enhance the facility’s capacity to serve mothers and newborns safely.
Nyantabooma Health Centre III which was established in 1993 in Nyantabooma Central, serves approximately 17,000 outpatients annually, manages around 200 antenatal cases, and conducts about 50 deliveries each month despite employing 17 staff members.
Dr. Moses Gumisiriza, the Hospital In-Charge, praised the contribution from Stanbic Bank and Busaiga SACCO, describing it as a timely intervention that will improve healthcare quality and reduce referrals to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
“We are immensely grateful to Stanbic and Busaiga SACCO leadership for supporting Harugongo’s health needs. Today’s medical camp attracted 350 patients who received free healthcare. We conducted cancer screenings for 23 mothers, diabetes and blood pressure tests for 100 individuals, and HIV testing for another 100. Notably, the teenage pregnancy rate in the sub-county stands at 27%, the highest in the district,” Dr. Gumisiriza said.
Mercy Kusemererwa, General Manager of Busaiga SACCO, commended Stanbic Bank for their swift response and steadfast partnership.
“Our collaboration with Stanbic Bank in supporting Nyantabooma Health Centre III reflects our shared commitment to community well-being, healthy communities are the cornerstone of sustainable growth, and we are proud to contribute to transforming lives through improved healthcare,” she said.
Since 2021, Stanbic Bank has donated over 22,000 mama kits and medical supplies to over 80 health facilities across Uganda, reinforcing its role in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
Thorpe also paid tribute to His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV for his visionary leadership in fostering social and economic transformation across the Tooro Kingdom.