Stanbic Bank Uganda Leads Independence Marathon Drive to Save Mothers’ Lives
Hundreds of Ugandans took to the streets of Kampala on Sunday as the second Independence Marathon turned the country’s love for sport into a major campaign to protect mothers and strengthen maternal healthcare. The event, held at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya under the theme “Save a Mother,” attracted professional athletes, families, corporate teams, recreational runners and members of the public.
Participants competed infant 42-kilometre, 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and five-kilometre races, with the event combining physical fitness with a broader humanitarian purpose. The 42-kilometre race also marked a milestone as the first Independence Marathon to pass through the Kampala Northern Bypass, covering a route from Namboole to Busega.The competition produced strong performances across the different categories. Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye and Evas Nassasira were among the leading finishers in the 42-kilometre race, while Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline and Innocent Iraguha led the 21-kilometre category.
Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel and Olinga Joel were among the top performers in the 10-kilometre race.Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine flagged off the marathon and participated as the chief runner, using the occasion to emphasise the importance of collective action in addressing maternal health challenges. She said sporting events such as the marathon provide an effective way of bringing Ugandans together around causes that directly affect families and communities.The campaign is raising money for the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.
The facility is expected to increase the bank’s capacity to process, preserve and store blood, which is urgently needed by mothers experiencing complications during childbirth as well as accident victims and other patients in need of lifesaving transfusions. Ugandans who wish to support the campaign can contribute through FlexiPay 189200 or Stanbic Bank account 903001893749.Stanbic Bank Uganda was among the major supporters of the marathon, together with Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour. Stanbic Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa said the bank’s support reflects its commitment to its purpose of “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth” and its Positive Impact Agenda, particularly initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health.
Kalifungwa noted that postpartum haemorrhage remains a serious threat to mothers and stressed the importance of having sufficient blood supplies and reliable storage infrastructure. Marathon organiser Robert Kabushenga also thanked the sponsors, participants and members of the public, saying the event has grown into a platform that combines healthy living, patriotism and giving back to society.
The marathon ended successfully without serious health complications or accidents among participants, according to TMR Hospital’s Waldah Atheena, who also urged Ugandans to embrace regular voluntary blood donation. As the Independence Marathon continues to grow, organisers hope it will become an even stronger annual campaign where Ugandans come together through sport to support causes that can directly save lives, especially the lives of mothers.
