Standard Chartered donates Shs 186mln to strengthen Ebola prevention in Uganda
The funding will support risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, early detection and referral, community awareness and mobilisation, and the dissemination of trusted health information
KAMPALA, August 27, 2026 — Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has donated US$ 50,000 [approximately Shs 186 million] to Save the Children International – Uganda to support communities affected by the recent Ebola crisis and strengthen prevention efforts following Uganda’s declaration as Ebola-free.
The funding will support risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, early detection and referral, community awareness and mobilisation, and the dissemination of trusted health information.
The initiatives are intended to help children, families and frontline communities reduce their risk, recognise potential symptoms and seek care early in line with Ministry of Health guidance.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kampala on Wednesday, Charles Katongole, Acting Chief Executive Officer Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said continued vigilance and preparedness were essential to sustaining the country’s Ebola-free status.
“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,” Katongole said.
“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.”
Katongole said the donation was also part of the bank’s contribution to Uganda’s national development agenda.
“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,” he said.
He added that the bank had this year arranged financing for four government projects worth EUR752 million, approximately Shs 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,” Katongole said.
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 effects on vulnerable households, particularly children.
Save the Children Uganda welcomed the contribution, saying sustained preparedness and community engagement were 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 the organisation would use the support to strengthen community engagement, early detection and access to trusted health information.
“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,” Ddambya said.
“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, welcomed the partnership between the Government, private sector and humanitarian organisations.
“Government welcomes partnerships that bring together public leadership, private-sector capability and humanitarian expertise to advance the public good,” Mugahi said.
“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.”
He said the collaboration complemented government efforts to safeguard children, families and frontline communities while strengthening resilient health systems, trusted information and collective action.
Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said the bank’s partnership with Save the Children formed part of its long-standing commitment to supporting Ugandan communities.
“For 114 years, Standard Chartered Uganda has lived to its brand promise of being, Here for good for our clients, colleagues and communities,” Kigozi said.
“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 contributing to thriving communities.”
The partnership builds on Standard Chartered Bank Uganda’s previous collaboration with Save the Children and underscores the importance of continued cooperation between government, the private sector, humanitarian organisations and communities to sustain Uganda’s Ebola-free status and strengthen preparedness for future public health threats.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
