The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) is seeking $4 million (Shs14.3 billion) to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) centre.
The Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) centre is intended to expand access to life-saving treatment for patients suffering from sickle cell disease, HIV-related complications, and other complex blood disorders.
Under a fundraising drive to establish the BMT facility, JCRC aims to address critical gaps in Uganda’s specialised healthcare infrastructure, enhance local capacity for advanced treatment, and position itself as a regional leader in innovative therapies, including stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.
Pearl Bank, the financial partner, handed over a dummy cheque worth Shs200 million towards the BMT facility as part of a four-year partnership.
Disease Burden and Urgency
Uganda continues to face a severe burden of haematological diseases: 17,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year, and up to 80% die before their fifth birthday due to limited access to timely, specialised care.
One in seven Ugandans carries the sickle cell trait, reflecting a high population-level genetic risk.
More than 34,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, resulting in over 22,000 deaths, with blood cancers, particularly leukaemia and lymphoma in children, making a significant contribution to this mortality burden.
Bone marrow transplant is a proven, life-saving intervention for sickle cell disease and a range of serious benign and malignant blood disorders, including leukaemia and lymphoma.
In addition to its curative potential for these conditions, bone marrow transplant has also provided important scientific insights for HIV research.
To date, nine individuals living with HIV who underwent bone marrow transplants for underlying blood cancers have achieved complete remission of both their cancer and HIV, offering critical clues that continue to inform global HIV cure research.
Francesco Arezzo, the rotary international president said Uganda has always been a beacon of resilience in Africa. With the launch of this Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, we are not just saving lives, we are restoring hope.
“I am truly encouraged to see the community stepping forward to contribute. When a community supports a project like this, it shows collective responsibility and compassion. This centre belongs to the people,” he said.
Pearl Bank Managing Director, Julius Kakeeto, mentioned that the partnership is not just a philanthropic endeavour, but a strategic investment that aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s overarching national development framework, particularly the Agro-Industrialisation, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology Innovation (ATMS) strategy.
The ATMS strategy is Uganda’s blueprint for achieving ten-fold growth, with the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) pillar recognised as the crucial accelerator for value addition across all sectors. Support for the JCRC BMT Centre directly strengthens this pillar by advancing medical research, expanding specialised healthcare infrastructure, and building local capacity in highly specialised medical procedures.
He added, “One of our Corporate Social Investment pillars is health because we believe that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and we are pleased to form a four-year strategic partnership with JCRC towards this noble cause. One of the wards will be named the Pearl Ward.”
Prof. Charles Ibingira, Chairperson of the JCRC Board, highlighted the long-awaited relief the centre will bring, noting that patients have endured immense strain seeking treatment abroad. He said the centre ensures Ugandans can access world-class care at home that is dignified, equitable, and life-saving.
Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng said the centre aligns fully with Vision 2040. It is a national milestone and a promise that no Ugandan will be left behind in the fight against sickle cell disease and cancer.
Speaking at the BMT launch drive, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero, said, “I stand here in two capacities. First, as the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, responsible for mobilising government support for critical institutions like the Joint Clinical Research Centre, I can confirm that this project has government attention and will be supported.”
“I stand here as a proud Sickle Cell Ambassador. I was appointed to advocate for sickle cell awareness and resource mobilisation wherever I go. This cause is deeply personal and nationally important. In that spirit, and beginning with myself, I commit $1,000 towards this initiative,” Musenero said.
Executive Director of JCRC, Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, stated, “This centre is about hope, dignity, and giving Ugandans a second chance at life. We call on individuals, corporations, governments, and partners to join this mission. Every contribution counts.”
Dr. Kityo applauded Pearl Bank for joining the noble cause as the headline sponsor and revealed that the Shs200 million support will go a long way in establishing the much-needed facility.
The bank’s support to JCRC demonstrates its commitment to championing sustainable initiatives aligned with its overall strategy and purpose of fostering prosperity for Ugandans, implemented through its two high-impact goals: driving sustainable financial inclusion and stimulating entrepreneurship and service.
As part of its strategic positioning, Pearl Bank’s five-year journey comprises a rebrand phase that kicked off last year, ushering in the transition from PostBank Uganda to Pearl Bank. The change is described as more than a name shift, but an opportunity to leverage business within the country and across the region as it continues to extend tailored financial solutions that usher Ugandans into opportunities that inspire growth and prosperity.
