dfcu Bank, in collaboration with Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital, brought Kampala to life with a powerful cause through the “Hope in Motion” Walk for Sickle Cell—an initiative that blended compassion, awareness, and action into one united movement.
What began as a symbolic walk quickly turned into a bold national statement. Hundreds of Ugandans—ranging from corporate leaders and healthcare professionals to caregivers, volunteers, and individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease—filled the streets in solidarity. The atmosphere carried both urgency and hope, as participants walked not just for awareness, but for the thousands of families silently battling the burden of the disease across the country.
This initiative is part of dfcu Bank’s broader commitment to community transformation as it celebrates 62 years of impact in Uganda. Beyond banking, the institution continues to invest in health and social well-being, building on efforts such as the dfcu–Rotary Uganda Health Camps that are expanding access to essential medical services nationwide.
Uganda remains one of the countries most affected by Sickle Cell Disease globally, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 babies born with the condition each year. Nearly one in five Ugandans carries the Sickle Cell trait, making awareness, early screening, and access to care critical national priorities. For many families, the condition means recurring hospital visits, painful crises, emotional strain, and financial pressure.
dfcu’s involvement in this cause traces back to 2024 during its 60th Anniversary “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign. A simple outreach visit by staff to the Sickle Cell wards at Mulago revealed the daily realities faced by patients and caregivers. That experience became a turning point—transforming empathy into sustained action.
Speaking at the event, Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, highlighted this journey. She noted that what started as a staff initiative has evolved into a long-term commitment to improving patient care and raising awareness. The walk, she explained, was also aimed at mobilising support for facility improvements at the Mulago Sickle Cell Clinic, which serves over 200 patients daily. Encouragingly, contributions from staff have already surpassed the initial fundraising target.
The event drew strong institutional backing. Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, who led the walk, described it as a timely intervention offering hope to families. She pointed out that many children living with Sickle Cell face repeated complications that disrupt education and strain households. She also welcomed the government’s introduction of mandatory newborn screening, calling it a critical step toward early diagnosis and better outcomes.
Government support was echoed by David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, who commended dfcu Bank for using its platform to spotlight a pressing health challenge. He emphasised that such corporate-led initiatives play a vital role in driving awareness and community mobilisation.
Medical experts also reinforced the urgency. Dr. Philip Kasirye noted that Mulago hosts Uganda’s oldest and largest Sickle Cell centre, established in 1968, and highlighted ongoing efforts to extend care services to regional facilities.
Through “Hope in Motion,” dfcu Bank is not just raising awareness—it is turning visibility into tangible impact. From improving healthcare facilities to promoting blood donation and early screening, the initiative reflects a growing movement to strengthen support systems and rewrite the story for Uganda’s Sickle Cell community.
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