Pearl Bank Uganda has partnered with the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) to spearhead a USD 4 million fundraising campaign aimed at establishing a state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre in Lubowa.
The initiative seeks to close critical gaps in Uganda’s specialized healthcare infrastructure and expand access to life-saving treatment for patients suffering from sickle cell disease and other complex blood disorders.
The proposed facility comes at a crucial time when many Ugandan patients are unable to afford bone marrow transplants abroad due to the high costs associated with travel, treatment, and post-care management. Once operational, the centre will provide advanced, world-class treatment locally, reducing both financial and emotional strain on affected families.
To achieve the USD 4 million target, Pearl Bank has committed to a four-year strategic partnership with JCRC.
The bank will provide a fundraising platform to mobilize contributions from individuals, corporations, and well-wishers.
An online donation link will be hosted on the JCRC website, enabling contributions through multiple channels, including mobile money, Visa, Mastercard, and QR code payments. All funds raised will be channeled through a designated Pearl Bank account.
As part of the partnership launch, Pearl Bank Managing Director Julius Kakeeto handed over a dummy cheque worth UGX 200 million toward the project. He described the initiative not only as a philanthropic effort but also as a strategic investment aligned with Uganda’s national development priorities.
Kakeeto noted that the project supports the government’s Agro-Industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology Innovation (ATMS) strategy by strengthening medical research, expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure, and building local capacity in complex medical procedures.
He emphasized that health remains one of the bank’s key Corporate Social Investment pillars, adding, “We believe that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.
”The urgency of the project is underscored by alarming health statistics. Approximately 17,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Uganda each year, with up to 80 percent dying before their fifth birthday due to limited access to specialized care. One in seven Ugandans carries the sickle cell trait, indicating a significant genetic risk across the population. Additionally, more than 34,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, resulting in over 22,000 deaths.
Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, particularly among children, contribute substantially to this burden. Bone marrow transplantation is a proven, life-saving intervention for sickle cell disease, leukemia, lymphoma, and other severe blood disorders. The establishment of a local transplant centre is expected to dramatically improve survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients.
The project has received strong backing from government and international stakeholders. Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo described the centre as transformative, saying it represents service above self and a restoration of hope for families in need.JCRC Board Chair Prof.
Charles Ibingira highlighted the relief the facility will bring to patients who have long endured the hardship of seeking treatment abroad.Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng affirmed that the centre aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and represents a national milestone in the fight against sickle cell disease and cancer.
Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation Monica Musenero confirmed government support for the project.JCRC Executive Director Dr. Cissy Kityo Mutuluúza called on individuals, corporations, and partners to contribute, emphasizing that every donation brings Uganda closer to giving patients a second chance at life.
Through this partnership, Pearl Bank reinforces its commitment to sustainable initiatives that promote prosperity, financial inclusion, and improved healthcare outcomes for Ugandans.
