Stanbic Bank Uganda has stepped up its investment in community health initiatives by supporting the second edition of the Independence Marathon, which seeks to mobilise resources for maternal healthcare and strengthen Uganda’s blood supply infrastructure.
Held at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya on Sunday under the theme “Save a Mother,” the marathon attracted hundreds of professional and recreational runners, corporate teams, families and members of the public.
The event featured 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races, with this year’s edition becoming the first Independence Marathon to use the Kampala Northern Bypass. The 42km route stretched from Namboole to Busega.
Stanbic Bank Uganda chief executive officer Mumba Kalifungwa said the bank’s support forms part of its wider social investment strategy and its commitment to contributing to Uganda’s economic and social development.
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“At Stanbic, we believe that Uganda is our home and we drive her growth. Supporting the Independence Marathon is one way of contributing to healthier communities and addressing challenges that have a direct impact on the lives of Ugandans,” Kalifungwa said.
The bank is supporting the “Save a Mother” campaign, which aims to raise funds towards establishing a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.
The facility is expected to increase the bank’s capacity to process, preserve and store blood, particularly for mothers experiencing complications during childbirth.
Kalifungwa said reliable access to blood remains critical in reducing preventable maternal deaths, particularly in cases involving postpartum haemorrhage.
“Safe motherhood is one of Stanbic’s key impact areas because no woman should lose her life while giving life,” he said.
The initiative also provides Stanbic with an opportunity to deepen its engagement with customers, communities and other private-sector players through a campaign that combines sport, health and philanthropy.
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The marathon attracted support from other businesses, including Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour, highlighting the growing role of private-sector partnerships in supporting public health initiatives.
Organiser Robert Kabushenga said the marathon is designed to go beyond sport by creating a platform through which businesses, individuals and communities can contribute to social causes.
“The Independence Marathon is more than a race. It is a movement that brings together healthy living, national pride and giving back to the community,” Kabushenga said.
Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and chief runner, said partnerships of this nature can help mobilise additional resources for critical health needs.
She urged Ugandans to support the campaign through FlexiPay 189200 or Stanbic Bank account 903001893749.
The funds raised will support the planned blood storage facility, which is expected to benefit mothers with childbirth complications as well as other patients requiring emergency transfusions.
For Stanbic, the marathon comes as the bank marks 35 years of operations in Uganda, with the lender positioning its social investment programmes under its broader Positive Impact Agenda.
The bank says its focus on maternal and child health is intended to complement its business activities by supporting healthier communities and contributing to long-term social and economic development.
Beyond the fundraising component, the marathon also provided an avenue for companies to engage employees and customers around health and wellness while strengthening corporate visibility.
The organisers said the event is expected to become an annual fixture around Uganda’s Independence celebrations, providing an avenue for businesses and the public to combine fitness, corporate participation and social investment.
The 42km race was won by Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye and Evas Nassasira among the leading finishers, while Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline and Innocent Iraguha led the 21km category. Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel and Olinga Joel were among the top finishers in the 10km race.
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