Entebbe — Pearl Bank Uganda and the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) have entered a four-year strategic partnership aimed at supporting the establishment of a specialised Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre to expand access to life-saving treatment for patients suffering from sickle cell disease, HIV-related complications, and other complex blood disorders.
The announcement was made at JCRC’s offices in Lubowa, Entebbe, marking a major step toward strengthening Uganda’s specialised healthcare infrastructure.
Fundraising Drive Targets USD 4 Million
The partnership supports a fundraising campaign to raise USD 4 million for the construction and operationalisation of the BMT facility.
The centre is expected to bridge critical gaps in specialised medical care in Uganda, strengthen local treatment capacity, and position JCRC as a regional leader in advanced therapies such as stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.
During the launch, Pearl Bank presented a dummy cheque of UGX 200 million as its initial contribution toward the project under the four-year sponsorship arrangement.
The bank also announced that an online donation platform will be hosted on the JCRC website to enable well-wishers to contribute conveniently through mobile money, Visa, Mastercard, or QR-code payments, with funds directed to the Pearl Bank account.
Strategic Development Alignment
Pearl Bank Managing Director Julius Kakeeto said the partnership goes beyond philanthropy, describing it as a strategic investment aligned with Uganda’s development priorities.
He noted that the initiative supports the country’s Agro-Industrialisation, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology Innovation (ATMS) strategy, particularly the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) pillar, which is considered a key driver of value addition and economic transformation.
Kakeeto added that health is one of Pearl Bank’s Corporate Social Investment priorities, emphasising that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.” He also announced that one hospital ward will be named “Pearl Ward” in recognition of the partnership.
Disease Burden and Healthcare Need
Health experts highlight the urgency of expanding specialised blood disorder treatment in Uganda.
Approximately 17,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease annually, with up to 80% dying before age five due to limited access to specialised care. About one in seven Ugandans carries the sickle cell trait, reflecting high genetic risk in the population.
Uganda records more than 34,000 new cancer cases annually, leading to over 22,000 deaths, with childhood blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma contributing significantly to mortality.
Medical specialists say bone marrow transplantation is a proven curative treatment for several severe blood disorders, including sickle cell disease, leukemia, and lymphoma.
The procedure has also contributed to global research on HIV remission, following rare cases where patients who underwent transplants for cancer treatment achieved complete remission of both cancer and HIV.
Government and International Support
Guest of Honour Francesco Arezzo, President of Rotary International, praised the project’s potential impact. He said the centre would restore hope for patients and reflect the spirit of service, describing the initiative as a transformative investment in community health.
Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng reaffirmed the government commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, noting that the BMT Centre aligns with Uganda’s long-term development vision, including Vision 2040.
She emphasised that the project represents a national milestone in the fight against sickle cell disease and cancer.
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Monica Musenero pledged government attention and support for the initiative.
Musenero, who also serves as a sickle cell awareness ambassador, committed USD 1,000 personal contribution toward the fundraising campaign, calling the project both nationally significant and personally meaningful.
JCRC Leadership Statement
JCRC Executive Director Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza described the BMT Centre as a symbol of hope, dignity, and improved life expectancy for Ugandan patients.
She encouraged individuals, corporations, and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that every contribution would help save lives.
Board Chair Charles Ibingira said the centre would reduce the financial and emotional burden faced by patients who currently seek treatment abroad.
He noted that the facility will provide world-class care locally, ensuring equitable and dignified access to advanced medical treatment.
Pearl Bank’s Strategic Growth Vision
Pearl Bank is undergoing a five-year strategic transformation following its rebranding from PostBank Uganda.
The bank, which is fully owned by the Government of Uganda, operates a network of 59 branches and more than 8,000 agents nationwide, supported by digital platforms including the Pearl Bank App, Pearl Online, and smart ATMs.
The institution aims to promote sustainable financial inclusion and stimulate entrepreneurship as part of its corporate growth strategy.
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