KAMPALA — dfcu Bank has handed over upgraded sanitation facilities and improved patient waiting areas at the Sickle Cell Clinic of Mulago National Referral Hospital, reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting Ugandans living with sickle cell disease.

The facility improvements, unveiled on June 20, come shortly after International Sickle Cell Awareness Day and mark the culmination of a series of awareness campaigns, community health camps, and fundraising activities spearheaded by the bank.

Uganda carries one of the world's highest burdens of sickle cell disease, ranking fifth globally. An estimated 13 to 15 percent of the population carries the sickle cell trait, while between 20,000 and 25,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Without timely intervention, a significant proportion of affected children do not survive beyond their fifth birthday.

The newly upgraded facilities at Mulago's Sickle Cell Clinic are expected to directly benefit approximately 200 patients who visit the clinic daily. The improvements include modern sanitation units and enhanced waiting areas designed to improve comfort, hygiene, and dignity for patients and their caregivers.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, dfcu Bank Chief Executive Officer Charles Mudiwa said the initiative reflects the bank's belief that a healthy population is essential for national development.

“We cannot be a profitable and successful bank if the health of the nation is compromised. We need a healthy nation first to build a healthy organisation,” Mudiwa said. “Our journey began with internal awareness and acts of kindness. Today, we are delivering infrastructure that improves daily patient experiences and signals our long-term dedication to building a Centre of Excellence for sickle cell care in Uganda.”

dfcu's involvement in sickle cell advocacy began in 2024 through its employee-led “60 Acts of Kindness” campaign, launched to mark the bank's 60th anniversary. What started as staff visits and donations to the Mulago Sickle Cell Clinic has since evolved into a broader corporate initiative focused on awareness, prevention, and patient support.

Over the past two years, the bank has organized community outreach programmes and health camps in high-burden regions, including Busoga and Jinja, promoting early testing, genetic counselling, and informed reproductive health decisions.

Mulago National Referral Hospital Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima welcomed the support, noting that access to adequate sanitation is critical for patients managing chronic illnesses.

“For patients living with sickle cell, a place of convenience is not a small gesture; it is significant. These improvements enhance dignity and support our outpatient and daycare care model, helping reduce unnecessary admissions while preserving hospital capacity for the most critical cases,” she said.

Dr. Philip Kasirye, a Consultant Paediatrician and Haematologist, emphasized the need to combat stigma surrounding the disease and increase access to treatment.

“Sickle cell is not contagious, and having it is not a crime. There is hope. We must replace stigma with empathy and ensure access to quality care, early testing, and Hydroxyurea. Partnerships like the one we have with dfcu Bank are essential in complementing government efforts,” he said.

The handover represents the latest phase in dfcu Bank's growing investment in sickle cell awareness and care, moving beyond advocacy to practical interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for patients.

As the bank expands its social impact programmes, it says it remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen healthcare, promote inclusion, and contribute to sustainable national development.