Mulago: Stanbic Bank has made a donation of UGX 20 million to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) as part of its ongoing commitment to support health services and community welfare. Items that were donated include, medical equipment, five (5) Adult Mattresses, 50 Re-usable Colostomy bags, two (2) Patient Monitors, three (3) Wheelchairs, two (2) Chemo chairs, two (2) Examination /Patient Couches, five (5) Hospital blankets and food stuff. Diana Ondoga, the Stanbic Bank Manager Corporate Social Investment (CSI) was accompanied by members of the Afrigo Band members, who will celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary with a special performance at Millennium grounds in Kampala over the weekend.
Tickets are on sale via Stanbic’s digital platform FlexiPay or via the USSD code *291# at discounted rates. Stanbic Bank, as the lead sponsor for the celebrations, used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of community participation in cancer prevention and care.
The bank expressed hope that the donation would make a meaningful difference in UCI’s work, especially in the context of ongoing healthcare challenges.“Cancer is an urgent and growing health concern that requires a concerted community effort to combat,” Ondoga said.
She highlighted the necessity of community engagement to promote healthier lifestyles, increase cancer awareness, and encourage help-seeking behaviours such as regular check-ups.Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr. Henry Ddungu welcomed the gesture, praising Stanbic Bank for prioritizing people in its operations.
“I want to thank Stanbic Bank for always keeping the Uganda Cancer Institute at heart. This is not the first time we are receiving your support, and we appeal to you to keep coming back, because our needs continue to grow with the problems we face,” Ddungu said.
He said, “I would like to attest that the modern beds and cervical cancer screening machines donated in 2023 are well taken care of and still serving their intended purpose. This contribution embodies the bank’s people-first philosophy and will support our ongoing efforts to provide timely cancer care and support to patients and their families.”
The UCI’s substantial role in treatment and research was underscored, with the Institute reporting thousands of cases treated annually. In 2024, UCI recorded 36,000 new cases, and its Outpatient Department (OPD) saw nearly 500 patients daily. The rising cancer burden signals a need for expanded resources to meet demand and reduce mortality rates.
The Afrigo Band member, Hon. Rachael Magoola, expressed gratitude for UCI’s tireless work in saving lives, giving families hope, and serving communities at home and beyond. “Throughout our 50-year music journey, Afrigo Band has lost a number of friends and fans to cancer; therefore, joining hands to raise awareness about this killer disease is a contribution I am proud to affiliate with,” She said.
Talent Africa Group CEO, Aly Allibhai noted that they are very happy to support to the initiative and pledged to use their platforms and events to raise awareness for cancer and early detection.“We hope donations made today, will go along way in supporting the Uganda Cancer Institute and the invaluable work they do. Together we can help improve lives, bring hope and create lasting impact.”
Lois Kwikiriza, the Stanbic Bank Brand and Marketing Manager, said their broader mission centres on community engagement reflecting the purpose: “Uganda is our home; we drive her growth.” She emphasized that Stanbic Bank is committed to empowering communities, improving health outcomes, and promoting inclusive growth, with particular attention to women, youth, and farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s prosperity.
She said, “The UGX 20 million donation marks another milestone in Stanbic’s ongoing collaboration with UCI. We have walked an amazing journey with the Institute; in 2023, Stanbic provided two beds and Pap smear kits to aid early cervical cancer testing.” Kwikiriza said the donation complements other efforts being undertaken by the bank in maternal health, education, and environmental conservation.
Referring to the forthcoming show, Kwikiriza said, “I would like to call upon Ugandans to purchase their discounted tickets via our FlexiPay app. We shall have the last flash sale on Friday morning, so people can save on their tickets.” She said FlexiPay can be used for transactions such as paying utility bills, shopping, or purchasing fuel above UGX 50,000, with a 10% cashback incentive.
