Moses Sentamu 
Stanbic Bank Uganda, the anchor subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, recently donated an assortment of medical equipment to St. Benedict’s Butende Health Centre III, in Masaka City. The donation included two maternity beds, one Suction machine, and 100 Mama Kits, amounting to approximately sh15m.
The donation is part of the ongoing drive to give back to the community during the October L.O.V.E month, under Stanbic’s Corporate Social Investment.
While handing over the equipment, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Marketing Daniel Ogong said, October is the high point of the entity’s corporate social investments programme, covering activities in health, education and the environment.
“It is when all of us are concentrated on showing our love for you and everything that you do that contributes to Uganda’s socio-economic development,” Ogong stated. He lauded the staff of Butende HCIII saying, they have shown love by providing much-needed healthcare services to the surrounding communities.
Ogong said that collective effort is key in uplifting the standards of healthcare in the country while complementing the government’s support.
“It is facilities like Butende Health Centre that fill the gaps and make a huge difference for the people you serve,” he further expressed. Ogong pledged continued commitment with a mandate of supporting communities.
Sr Mary Gorreti Nandawula, the in-charge of the health centre said, the facility was started as a dispensary in 1985 by the Sisters (nuns). “It runs on basic resources that we collect from patients but we are left lacking in so many needs,” she expressed, thus appreciating Stanbic Bank for the donation.
Currently being served by 19 workers including support staff, the health centre is under the management of Masaka Catholic Diocese.
Fr. Aiden Ndawula, the Assistant Diocesan Health Coordinator of Masaka diocese said, the diocese runs quite a number of health centres. “Health care is very important for everyone. It is very absurd to lose someone due to inadequacy of services. Losing a child or mother during or even after birth is very bad. Therefore, let us all work together,” he appealed.
“Speaking to pregnant women nicely is good because it motivates them to keep coming. However, some health workers mishandle pregnant women and that is not good. All they need is support and encouragement through that journey but not harassment,” Fr Ndawula said.
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