As Uganda prepares to commemorate the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6th, Stanbic Bank Uganda has stepped up to support the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) with a generous donation aimed at boosting maternal health services in the greater Masaka region.
The donation, handed over at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, included 10 delivery beds, 100 Mama Kits, and 2,000 fruit tree seedlings. Stanbic Bank also pledged sports kits for the Tarehe Sita Marathon on February 5th.
Speaking at the event, Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank’s Manager of Corporate Social Investment, highlighted the bank’s commitment to fostering safe motherhood and socio-economic growth.
“We were here in 2023 when we delivered two incubators and had promised to do more. This year, we identified an equally meaningful need,” Ondoga said.
“A healthy population is the foundation of socio-economic transformation. Through this partnership with the UPDF, we aim to save lives, promote quality of life, and drive Uganda’s growth.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its guidance and collaboration, noting the shared value in the ongoing partnership.
Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation in the UPDF, lauded Stanbic Bank for its continued support of Tarehe Sita activities.
“Every year, UPDF holds this celebration to give back to communities in a selected region. This year, the greater Masaka region is the focus. During the event, our doctors conduct medical camps, while engineers work on construction projects for schools and health centers in the area,” Brig. Gen. Kibuye explained.
He added that the community-driven selection process ensures resources are directed to the most pressing needs, with full-scale construction and upgrades prioritized over mere refurbishment.
Brigadier General Dr. James Kiyengo, Surgeon General and Director of Health Services for Land Forces, emphasized the significance of the donation in addressing maternal health challenges in Masaka.
“Masaka is a unique region. For instance, Bukasa Health Centre IV, located on an island, has had a non-functional theater since 1993. Delivery beds will now be provided to Health Centre IIs and IIIs, making a big difference in maternal and child health services,” Dr. Kiyengo said.
He highlighted the long-term impact of the Tarehe Sita initiative, noting how the concentrated efforts in one region help reduce disease transmission and leave lasting improvements.
The greater Masaka region, which comprises nine districts and one city—including Masaka, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Kalungu, Kyotera, Rakai, Kalangala, Bukomansimbi, and Sembabule—will host this year’s celebrations. Planned activities include medical camps, construction projects, community clean-ups, and sports events such as football and netball.
Stanbic Bank’s donation underscores the role of private sector partnerships in advancing public health and development goals, reflecting the bank’s broader mission to transform and grow Uganda.