Stanbic Bank boosts UPDF’s Tarehe Sita celebrations with maternal health support
The donation was received by Brig. Gen. Michael Kibuye, UPDF’s Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya. He commended Stanbic Bank for its continued support of the Tarehe Sita celebrations.
As the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) prepares to commemorate the 44th Tarehe Sita anniversary on February 6th in the Greater Masaka region, Stanbic Bank Uganda has stepped in with a significant donation to enhance maternal health services.
The bank’s contribution includes 10 delivery beds, 100 Mama Kits, 2,000 fruit tree seedlings, and sports kits for a marathon scheduled for February 5th.
During the handover of the items, Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank’s Manager of Corporate Social Investment, emphasized the institution’s commitment to safe motherhood and socio-economic transformation.
“We were here in 2023 when we delivered two incubators and promised to donate three more. This year, we decided to focus on another meaningful need,” Ondoga said. “A healthy nation facilitates socio-economic transformation, and through partnerships like this, we can reach more Ugandans, save lives, and promote the quality of life in Uganda. We also thank the Ministry of Health for their guidance and collaboration.”
The donation was received by Brig. Gen. Michael Kibuye, UPDF’s Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya. He commended Stanbic Bank for its continued support of the Tarehe Sita celebrations.
“Each year, the UPDF selects a region to give back to the community through medical camps, construction projects, and other activities,” Brig. Gen. Kibuye explained. “This year, Greater Masaka was chosen. Our engineers are carrying out full construction works at selected schools and health centers across nine districts and one city, based on recommendations from district officials.”
The activities include cleaning exercises and sports competitions, such as football and netball, aimed at engaging the community.
The Greater Masaka region, comprising Masaka City and nine districts—Lwengo, Lyantonde, Kalungu, Kyotera, Rakai, Kalangala, Bukomansimbi, and Sembabule—will benefit from these efforts.
Brig. Gen. Dr. James Kiyengo, UPDF Surgeon General and Director of Health Services for Land Forces, highlighted the specific impact of the support.
“Masaka is unique, with facilities like Bukasa Health Centre IV, whose theater has been non-functional since 1993. This partnership will deliver essential equipment to Health Centre II’s and III’s, significantly improving maternal and child health services,” Brig. Gen. Kiyengo said.
He also noted the broader impact of the initiative, adding, “When we focus on upgrading one region, we leave behind lasting improvements. By reducing the prevalence of transmissible diseases, we lower the overall disease burden, and this has a long-term positive impact.”
The UPDF and Stanbic Bank’s collaborative efforts underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in driving community transformation and improving healthcare delivery in Uganda.
