Independence Marathon For Safe Motherhood Gets UGX 200M Boost from Stanbic Bank

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reported that Stanbic Bank Uganda has committed UGX 200 million to the second Independence Marathon, a national run aimed at promoting safe motherhood and supporting maternal and newborn health services. The announcement was made in Kampala on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The marathon, organized under the “save a mother” banner, is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, with proceeds expected to support maternal health services at Mengo Hospital.

According to the report, the launch was held at Old Mutual Nakawa Business Park. Lois Kwikiriza, Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Senior Marketing Manager, said the support forms part of the bank’s activities marking 35 years in Uganda and aligns with its corporate social investment priorities. Watchdog Uganda also reported that Stanbic, working with the Ministry of Health and the Corporate Society for Safe Motherhood, has previously supported more than 80 health facilities with equipment, infrastructure and maternal health-related interventions.

The article cited Ministry of Health maternal and newborn health technical adviser Dr Ruth Grace Kakoba, who emphasized hospital delivery and community engagement as key elements of safe motherhood. It also reported Uganda’s maternal mortality level at about 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, with many linked to postpartum haemorrhage, a condition that can be fatal without rapid care.

Other partners named in the report include Old Mutual Uganda and TMR International Hospital, which said it would provide medical staff, emergency response, health education and selected wellness screenings. Organisers, represented by Robert Kabushenga, said this year’s route will start and end at Mandela National Stadium and use the Northern Bypass. Last year’s inaugural marathon supported improvements at Entebbe Regional Hospital.