Stanbic Bank Uganda has committed Shs200 million towards the second edition of the Independence Marathon, a national run aimed at raising awareness about maternal and newborn deaths while raising money to improve maternal healthcare services.
The marathon, organised under the theme “Save a Mother,” will take place on October 4. Money raised from the event will be used to strengthen maternal health services at Mengo Hospital.
Stanbic Bank Uganda senior marketing manager Lois Kwikiriza said the sponsorship forms part of activities marking the bank’s 35 years of supporting Uganda’s socioeconomic development.
“For three and a half decades, we have invested in people, businesses and communities because Uganda is our home and we are committed to driving her growth,” Kwikiriza said.
She said the marathon has grown into a national movement that provides an opportunity to raise awareness and mobilise resources for safe motherhood, which remains one of Stanbic’s priority areas under its corporate social investment programme.
“We are proud to partner with the organisers to help protect mothers and strengthen maternal care across Uganda,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda records about 189 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. Nearly 60% of these deaths are linked to postpartum haemorrhage, a condition that can largely be prevented through timely medical care, skilled health workers and adequate medical equipment.
Dr Ruth Grace Kakoba, the Ministry of Health’s Technical Adviser for Maternal and Newborn Health, said safe motherhood means ensuring every pregnancy is safe from conception through delivery.
She said community engagement and public awareness remain essential in reducing maternal deaths.
“We must do everything possible to ensure mothers deliver safely,” Dr Kakoba said.
She urged expectant mothers to deliver in health facilities instead of at home.
Old Mutual Uganda Business Transformation Manager Antony Mutyabule said the company’s partnership reflects its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger families.
He said Old Mutual’s Thrive Digital Wellness platform encourages Ugandans to adopt healthier habits while supporting important health causes.
“We are proud to support a cause that inspires positive lifestyle choices while helping save mothers’ lives,” Mutyabule said.
Stephen Beyanga, the Hospital Administrator at TMR International Hospital, said participants will continue receiving health support through the hospital’s TMR Golden Living App after the marathon.
He said the app will provide online medical consultations, emergency assistance, follow-up care for identified health risks and continued wellness guidance.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Robert Kabushenga said the Independence Marathon was created to establish a world-class road race while giving Ugandans a meaningful way to celebrate Independence.
He said this year’s event will offer an improved experience, with Mandela National Stadium serving as both the starting and finishing point, while the Northern Bypass will provide a professionally managed and timed race route.
“We are grateful to partners like Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual and TMR for believing in this vision and helping us build what we hope will become Uganda’s premier marathon,” Kabushenga said.
The inaugural Independence Marathon last year attracted thousands of runners from across the country. The proceeds from the event helped improve healthcare services at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital.
