dfcu Bank, in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital, has intensified the national call for increased awareness and support for people living with Sickle Cell Disease through the “Hope in Motion” Walk, an initiative that brought together hundreds of Ugandans in a powerful show of solidarity.
The walk, held in Kampala, attracted participation from dfcu staff, corporate leaders, healthcare professionals, caregivers, Sickle Cell warriors, volunteers, and government officials. Together, they transformed the city’s streets into a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about a disease that continues to affect thousands of families across Uganda.
Beyond the symbolic walk, the initiative aimed to promote Sickle Cell screening, encourage blood donation, and mobilise long-term support for individuals and families living with the condition. Participants carried messages of hope while calling for stronger health systems and community support structures to address the growing burden of the disease.
The “Hope in Motion” Walk forms part of dfcu Bank’s broader sustainability and community outreach agenda as the institution marks 62 years of impact in Uganda. It also builds on ongoing health interventions under the dfcu and Rotary Uganda Health Camps, which are being rolled out across the country to improve access to essential healthcare services.
Uganda remains one of the countries most affected by Sickle Cell Disease globally. It is estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 babies are born with the condition every year. Nearly 20 percent of the population is believed to carry the Sickle Cell trait, with prevalence particularly high in parts of Northern Uganda. For many families, the disease presents a lifelong challenge characterised by recurrent pain episodes, frequent hospital visits, emotional stress, and significant financial strain.
dfcu Bank’s involvement in supporting the Sickle Cell community can be traced back to 2024 during its 60th anniversary celebrations. At the time, the bank launched the “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign, a staff-led nationwide initiative focused on health, education, and community development.
As part of that campaign, dfcu staff visited Sickle Cell wards at Mulago National Referral Hospital, an experience that proved transformative. Staff members were exposed to the daily realities faced by patients, caregivers, and health workers, prompting a deeper institutional commitment to sustained support for Sickle Cell awareness and care.
Speaking during the walk, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s mission to create impact beyond financial services.
“Our involvement in the Sickle Cell journey started during dfcu’s 60th Anniversary through the 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 on a daily basis. We interacted with warriors, caregivers, and health workers and realised there was a need for sustained support and awareness,” she said.
Mayanja noted that the “Hope in Motion” Walk was organised to build on that momentum by raising awareness while mobilising resources to improve patient care, particularly at the Mulago National Referral 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 more than 200 people every day. We set out to raise funding for this purpose, but generous contributions from dfcu staff have already surpassed our target,” she said.
The Chief Walker, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, described the initiative as a meaningful intervention that continues to bring hope to families affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
She explained that many children living with the condition suffer recurring pain crises, severe anaemia, infections, and other life-threatening complications that disrupt their education and place immense pressure on families.
Dr Byanyima 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 improving patient outcomes.
“Early screening will help us identify affected children sooner and begin treatment early, which significantly reduces complications and improves quality of life,” she said, adding that sustained government support remains critical to ensuring access to treatment across the country.
Also in attendance was the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives for Industry, David Bahati, who commended dfcu Bank for using its anniversary celebrations to drive meaningful social impact.
“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.
Medical experts also underscored the importance of sustained investment in Sickle Cell care. Dr Philip Kasirye, a Consultant Paediatrician and Blood Specialist at Mulago National Referral Hospital, noted that the facility hosts the oldest and largest Sickle Cell care centre in Uganda, established in 1968.
He commended ongoing efforts to decentralise Sickle Cell services to regional referral hospitals and district health facilities, saying this would improve access to care for patients outside Kampala.
“Decentralisation is critical because it reduces the burden on Mulago and ensures that patients receive timely care closer to their communities,” he said.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Limited access to specialised care, inadequate blood supplies, and low levels of awareness continue to hinder effective management of the disease. Many families still struggle with the high cost of treatment and the emotional toll of caring for children with chronic health conditions.
Through initiatives such as the “Hope in Motion” Walk, dfcu Bank hopes to bridge some of these gaps by turning awareness into action. The bank is particularly focused on supporting improvements in healthcare infrastructure, promoting voluntary blood donation, encouraging early screening, and strengthening support systems for patients and caregivers.
Participants at the walk echoed similar sentiments, calling for more partnerships between the private sector, government, and civil society to address the Sickle Cell burden in Uganda.
For many of the Sickle Cell warriors who took part, the event was not just about raising awareness but also about sharing their lived experiences and inspiring hope among others facing similar challenges.
As Uganda continues to grapple with one of the highest Sickle Cell burdens globally, initiatives like the “Hope in Motion” Walk highlight the growing role of corporate institutions in addressing public health challenges and improving lives.
For dfcu Bank, the message is clear. True impact goes beyond banking, and through sustained community engagement, the institution aims to be part of the solution in building a healthier and more resilient society.
