Healthcare workers, corporate leaders, caregivers, government officials and sickle cell warriors joined the staff of dfcu bank last weekend for the “Hope in Motion” walk aimed at raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD).
The walk, organised in partnership with Mulago national referral hospital and Mengo hospital, sought to promote screening, encourage blood donation and mobilise stronger support for families and individuals living with the condition.
The initiative forms part of dfcu’s sustainability and community outreach activities as the bank marks 62 years of operations in Uganda. It also builds on the ongoing dfcu–Rotary Uganda health camps being conducted across the country to improve access to community healthcare services.
Uganda remains one of the countries with the highest SCD burden globally, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 babies born with the condition every year. Nearly 20 per cent of Ugandans are believed to carry the sickle cell trait, particularly in northern Uganda.
Dfcu’s involvement in SCD support efforts began in 2024 during the bank’s 60th anniversary celebrations under the “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign, a staff-led initiative focused on health, education and community outreach.
Helena Mayanja, head of corporate affairs and sustainability at dfcu bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to improving lives beyond the financial sector.
“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,” Mayanja said.
She noted that the “Hope in Motion” walk was organised to sustain awareness campaigns while mobilising support to improve patient care and facilities at the Mulago hospital 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 target,” she added.
Mulago hospital executive director Dr Rosemary Byanyima, who served as the chief walker, said many children living with sickle cell disease continue to suffer recurring pain crises, anaemia, infections and other life-threatening complications that disrupt education and place financial strain on families.
Byanyima welcomed the ministry of Health’s recent rollout of mandatory newborn screening for sickle cell disease, describing it as a major step toward early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
She also called for sustained government support to ensure patients across the country can access treatment and specialised care.
David Bahati, minister of state for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), commended dfcu bank for using its anniversary celebrations to create meaningful social impact while drawing national attention to sickle cell disease.
“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 support patients and caregivers,” Bahati said.
Dr Philip Kasirye, a consultant paediatrician and blood specialist at Mulago hospital, said Mulago hosts Uganda’s oldest and largest sickle cell care centre, established in 1968.
He also applauded efforts to decentralise sickle cell care services to regional referral hospitals and district health facilities across the country.