Africa-Press – Uganda. Pearl Bank and the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) have announced a four-year strategic partnership to establish a specialized Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre in Uganda, marking a significant step toward expanding 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 offices in Lubowa, Entebbe, where Pearl Bank handed over a dummy cheque worth shs200 million as part of its commitment under the partnership.
JCRC aims to raise USD 4 million through a national fundraising drive to establish the BMT facility.
The centre is expected to address critical gaps in Uganda’s specialized healthcare infrastructure, enhance local capacity for advanced treatment, and position JCRC as a regional leader in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.
To facilitate contributions, an online payment link will be hosted on JCRC’s website, enabling well-wishers to donate through mobile money platforms, Visa and Mastercard payments, and QR code channels, with funds channeled into a designated Pearl Bank account.
Pearl Bank Managing Director Julius Kakeeto described the partnership as both philanthropic and strategic.
“This partnership is not just a philanthropic endeavor, but a strategic investment that aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s national development framework, particularly the Agro-Industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, and Science & Technology Innovation (ATMS) strategy,” Kakeeto said.
He noted that the Science, Technology & Innovation pillar is central to accelerating value addition across sectors and that supporting the BMT Centre strengthens Uganda’s medical research ecosystem and specialized healthcare capacity.
“As part of our Corporate Social Investment pillar in health, we believe a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. We are pleased to form this four-year partnership toward this noble cause. One of the wards will be named the Pearl Ward,” he added.
Uganda continues to face a significant burden of hematological diseases. Approximately 17,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year, and up to 80 percent die before their fifth birthday due to limited access to specialized care. One in seven Ugandans carries the sickle cell trait, reflecting a high population-level genetic risk.
In addition, more than 34,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, resulting in over 22,000 deaths. Blood cancers, particularly leukemia and lymphoma in children, contribute significantly to this mortality burden.
Bone marrow transplant is a proven, lifesaving intervention for sickle cell disease and a range of serious benign and malignant blood disorders, including leukemia and lymphoma. Beyond its curative potential for these conditions, bone marrow transplantation has also provided important scientific insights for HIV research.
To date, nine individuals living with HIV who underwent bone marrow transplants for underlying blood cancers have achieved remission of both their cancer and HIV, offering critical clues that continue to inform global HIV cure research.
Francesco Arezzo, President of Rotary International, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative.
“Uganda has always been a beacon of resilience in Africa. With the launch of this Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, we are not just saving lives; we are restoring hope. This is Rotary at its best: service above self, transforming communities,” he said.
Chairperson of the JCRC Board, Charles Ibingira, highlighted the relief the centre will bring to patients who have long endured the financial and emotional strain of seeking treatment abroad.
“This centre ensures Ugandans can access world-class care at home — dignified, equitable, and lifesaving,” he noted.
Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng reaffirmed government support, stating that the centre aligns fully with Vision 2040 and represents a national milestone in ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind in the fight against sickle cell disease and cancer.
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr.Monica Musenero confirmed that the project has government attention and will receive institutional support.
Speaking both in her official capacity and as a Sickle Cell Ambassador, she pledged a personal contribution of $1,000 toward the initiative, describing the cause as deeply personal and nationally important.
JCRC Executive Director Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza described the BMT Centre as a transformative milestone for Uganda’s healthcare system.
“This centre is about hope, dignity, and giving Ugandans a second chance at life. We call on individuals, corporations, governments, and partners to join this mission. Every contribution counts,” she said.
Dr. Kityo applauded Pearl Bank for its shs200 million contribution, noting that the support will significantly advance the establishment of the much-needed facility.
