Mengo — A nationwide fundraising campaign has been launched to raise $4 million (about Shs15 billion) for the construction and operationalisation of Uganda’s first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility, a project expected to transform treatment for sickle cell disease and other blood disorders.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in partnership with Rotary International and Pearl Bank Uganda, received backing from the Buganda Kingdom, with Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga officially endorsing the campaign.
The facility, to be established in Lubowa, is expected to offer life-saving treatment locally for patients who currently have to seek care abroad.
A critical gap in Uganda’s health system
Speaking at the launch held at Bulange, Mengo on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Dr Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Executive Director of JCRC, described sickle cell disease as a major but often under-recognised public health challenge.
“Uganda ranks among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a high burden of sickle cell disease, and Africa accounts for about 75 percent of global cases,” she said.
She noted that about 20,000 children are born with the condition annually, with 50 to 80 percent dying before the age of five due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to care.
“Many are either not diagnosed early enough or lack access to proper care. Yet sickle cell disease is treatable, and in some cases, curable,” Kityo said.
While JCRC currently provides advanced care such as exchange transfusion, she emphasised that Uganda lacks the capacity to offer curative treatment through bone marrow transplant.
“Globally, bone marrow transplant has been used for over 40 years as a cure, but Uganda does not yet have a facility to offer this treatment,” she said, adding that $1.35 million has already been raised, with $4 million still required to make the centre operational.
Call for collective effort
Julius Kakeeto, Managing Director of Pearl Bank Uganda, said the bank is supporting both funding and mobilisation efforts through a digital contribution platform.
“If you look at the world today, it is driven by science and innovation. These are critical to addressing major health challenges,” Kakeeto said.
He added that the bank’s involvement aligns with its sustainability agenda and commitment to national development. “We see this project as an important corporate social investment—one that has the potential to create significant impact for the country,” he said.
Kakeeto urged Ugandans and institutions to contribute, noting that the timeline for completing the project depends on public response. “The more Ugandans come through, the quicker we shall be able to finalise this project,” he said.
Kingdom backs health initiative
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga linked the initiative to the Buganda Kingdom’s long-standing health campaigns, including the Kabaka Birthday Run, which has tackled issues such as fistula, sickle cell disease, and HIV/AIDS.
“We must always make time for important matters—especially matters concerning health,” Mayiga said.
He highlighted past efforts to combat stigma and promote testing for sickle cell disease, particularly among couples. “We prioritised awareness and encouraged testing so that people can make informed decisions,” he said.
Mayiga welcomed the new initiative, noting the role of science in improving health outcomes. “Science has advanced, and we now know that a bone marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease. It can also treat certain cancers,” he said.
He added that improving healthcare is central to the kingdom’s broader development vision. “You don’t achieve anything if you are not well. A healthy population is productive and capable of achieving development,” he said.
Hope for local treatment and research
Beyond treatment, the proposed facility is expected to position Uganda as a regional hub for specialised care and research, including gene therapy.
Dr Kityo said the long-term goal is to reduce reliance on expensive overseas treatment and develop affordable local solutions. “Our goal is to build local capacity and develop solutions that fit within our context,” she said.
With a fundraising link now activated (payments will be collected on the Pearl Bank Account) and multiple partners on board, organisers say the success of the initiative will depend on sustained public and institutional support.
“This initiative is for all Ugandans,” Kityo said. “We know where we want to go, and we are calling on partners to help us get there as quickly as possible.”
