Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has praised Stanbic Bank for its significant contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic growth, especially through community-focused initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable sectors. During an event held over the weekend, Alupo expressed her appreciation as the bank donated medical equipment valued at UGX 35 million to Katakwi General Hospital in Teso sub-region, marking another milestone in Stanbic’s ongoing support for the health sector.
Alupo lauded the donation, which included three patient beds, two delivery beds, two patient monitors, a baby incubator and warmer, along with 100 Mama kits, as a “beacon of hope” that would strengthen the hospital’s ability to offer better care to patients.
She emphasized the positive impact this will have on families and communities in the region. As the area’s Woman Member of Parliament, she also highlighted the challenges Uganda’s healthcare system faces due to a rapidly growing population but expressed optimism that continued support from corporate entities like Stanbic could mitigate some of these pressures.
Joseph Emuron, the Katakwi General Hospital Medical Superintendent described the donation as timely since the facility was facing shortages.
He said, “Referral cases of premature babies are going to reduce as the baby warmers and incubators are now in place. These referrals to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital have also been expensive for management, but with this donation, we are more than optimistic.”
He said the hospital manages over 4,500 outpatients, four hundred inpatients and 250 deliveries monthly.
The Vice President also requested that the bank extends its presence in the district. She said this will enable people to avoid the trip to Soroti in cases where the Stanbic agent bankers cannot offer a specific service.
Alupo commended Stanbic’s impactful initiatives, noting that the bank has played a pivotal role in empowering local businesses, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. This is in line with the National Development Plan IV and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto.
Diana Ondoga, the Stanbic Bank Head of Corporate Social Investment said the donation is part of the bank’s October L.O.V.E month campaign. During this interlude, Stanbic engages in several activities focused on giving back to different communities across Uganda.
“At Stanbic we say, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.’ Therefore, we have a commitment to our homeland of creating an impact in areas of education, maternal health, and environment. From the start of the year, we have donated maternal equipment to forty-five health facilities and still doing more,” Ondoga said. She rallied community members to join the drive by supporting the forthcoming ‘Together for Mama’ fun race.
Katakwi General Hospital was established in 1956 as a dispensary, but later elevated to hospital status in 2011. However, the elevation did not come with expansion of infrastructure. The hospital serves patients from Katakwi District and the neighboring districts of Amuria, Kapelebyong, Kumi, Nakapiripirit and Napak.