Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has donated USD 50,000 (approximately UGX 186 million) to Save the Children International – Uganda to support communities affected by the recent Ebola crisis and strengthening prevention efforts to help protect children, families and frontline communities from future public health threats following Uganda’s declaration as Ebola-free.
The funding will strengthen risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, early detection and referral, community awareness and mobilisation, and the dissemination of trusted health information to help children, families and frontline communities reduce risk, recognise potential symptoms and seek care early in line with Ministry of Health guidance.
Speaking at the handover, Mr. Charles Katongole, the Acting CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said:
“We commend the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, frontline health workers, communities and partners for the leadership that enabled Uganda to be declared Ebola-free. Protecting this achievement requires continued vigilance and preparedness. Through this donation, we are supporting Save the Children Uganda to work with Government and communities to strengthen prevention and help keep children and families safe.”
He added: “Today’s donation to Save the Children is another expression of our commitment to the national development agenda. Beyond public health support, we remain focused on financing national priorities that improve lives and unlock opportunities. This year alone, we have arranged financing for four Government projects worth EUR 752 million, approximately UGX 3.27 trillion, covering power transmission, water and sanitation, critical roads and tourism-linked infrastructure. These investments, together with our community programmes, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Agenda by helping build healthier, more resilient and more productive communities.”
The donation aligns with the Standard Chartered Foundation’s focus on economic inclusion, resilience and wellbeing for underserved communities, recognising that public health emergencies can have significant social and economic impacts on vulnerable households, particularly children.
Save the Children Uganda welcomed the contribution, noting that sustained preparedness and community engagement are critical to protecting children and families from public health emergencies. Ebola outbreaks can have consequences beyond the immediate health threat, disrupting children’s education, protection, nutrition and access to essential services.
Speaking on behalf of Save the Children Uganda, Acting Country Director Martha Ddambya said:
“We welcome Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s support at this critical time. Keeping Uganda Ebola-free requires sustained community engagement, trusted information, early detection and strong collaboration with Government and partners. This contribution will help us reach children, families and frontline communities with the knowledge and support they need to stay safe, while helping protect children’s ability to survive, learn and thrive.”
She added: The donation comes at an important time as Uganda works to sustain its Ebola-free status and strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies. Ebola outbreaks can have impacts far beyond the immediate health threat, disrupting children’s education, protection, nutrition and access to essential services. Through this support, Save the Children Uganda will work alongside Government, communities and other partners to ensure that children and families have access to accurate information and the support they need to stay safe and resilient.
While presiding over the event as Chief Guest – Dr. Richard Mugahi, Commissioner of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health stated:
“Government welcomes partnerships that bring together public leadership, private-sector capability and humanitarian expertise to advance the public good. We appreciate Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and Save the Children Uganda for stepping forward to support national preparedness and community protection at a time when sustaining Uganda’s Ebola-free status remains a shared responsibility. This collaboration complements Government’s efforts to safeguard children, families and frontline communities, while reinforcing the importance of resilient health systems, trusted information and collective action in protecting lives and livelihoods.”
Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said:
“For 114 years, Standard Chartered Uganda has lived to its brand promise of being, Here for good for our clients, colleagues and communities. We are pleased to partner with Save the children and other partners over the years to improve the welfare of Ugandans. This together with so many donations that we have made towards health causes, training young entrepreneurs and creating employment attests to our commitment to contribute to thriving communities.
This partnership builds on Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s commitment to supporting resilient communities and its previous collaboration with Save the Children. It also highlights the importance of continued collaboration between Government, the private sector, humanitarian organisations and communities to sustain Uganda’s Ebola-free status and strengthen preparedness for future public health threats.
Together, for an Ebola free Uganda.
