Standard Chartered donates shs186m to support Uganda’s Ebola preparedness

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has donated US$50,000 (about Shs186 million) to Save the Children Uganda to support communities affected by the recent Ebola outbreak and strengthen preparedness following Uganda’s declaration as Ebola-free.

The funding will support risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, early detection and referral, community mobilisation and the dissemination of trusted health information.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kampala on Wednesday, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Katongole said sustained vigilance and preparedness were critical to maintaining the country’s Ebola-free status.

“Protecting this achievement requires continued vigilance and preparedness,” Katongole said, adding that the donation would help communities strengthen prevention measures and keep children and families safe.

Katongole said the contribution also formed part of the bank’s support for Uganda’s national development agenda. He disclosed that the bank had this year arranged financing for four government projects worth EUR752 million (about Shs3.27 trillion), covering power transmission, water and sanitation, critical roads and tourism-related infrastructure.

Save the Children Uganda Acting Country Director Martha Ddambya welcomed the support, saying sustained community engagement, early detection and access to reliable health information were essential to protecting children and families from future outbreaks.

She noted that Ebola outbreaks can have impacts beyond the immediate health threat, disrupting children’s education, protection, nutrition and access to essential services.

Dr Richard Mugahi, Commissioner of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the partnership between government, the private sector and humanitarian organisations, saying collective action was essential to strengthening national preparedness and resilient health systems.

Meanwhile, Margaret Kigozi, Standard Chartered Uganda’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, said the partnership reflected the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting Ugandan communities.

The donation aligns with the Standard Chartered Foundation’s focus on economic inclusion, resilience and wellbeing among underserved communities, while reinforcing collaboration between government, businesses, humanitarian organisations and communities in responding to public health threats.