A campaign to improve access to blood for women facing complications during childbirth has received a boost following the second edition of the Independence Marathon held in Kampala on Sunday.
The event, which attracted hundreds of runners, was organised under the theme “Save a Mother”, with funds raised expected to support the construction of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.
The facility will increase the blood bank’s capacity to process, preserve and store blood for mothers requiring emergency transfusions, as well as other patients, including accident victims.
The marathon started and ended around Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya and featured 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races.
For the first time, the 42km race incorporated the Kampala Northern Bypass, with runners covering a route between Namboole and Busega.
The races attracted professional athletes alongside corporate teams, recreational runners, families and other members of the public.
The event was flagged off by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine, who also participated in the marathon.
Dr Atwine said sporting events could provide an effective platform for mobilising communities around health challenges.
She appealed to members of the public to support the maternal health campaign even if they did not participate in the race.
Contributions are being received through FlexiPay 189200 and Stanbic Bank account 903001893749.
The organisers and partners highlighted the importance of adequate blood supplies in responding to complications associated with childbirth.
Stanbic Bank Uganda chief executive Mumba Kalifungwa said postpartum haemorrhage remains a major maternal health concern and that reliable blood storage is critical during emergencies.
He said the bank’s support for the marathon is part of its wider social impact initiatives targeting healthier communities.
“Safe motherhood is one of Stanbic’s key impact areas because no woman should lose her life while giving life,” Mr Kalifungwa said.
The bank, which is marking 35 years in Uganda, supported the marathon alongside Old Mutual, TMR Hospital and Jet Tour.
The competitive races also produced several leading finishers.
Brian Ategeka, Solomon Tumwesigye and Evas Nassasira were among the top performers in the 42km race.
Brian Okumu, Atumanye Rolline and Innocent Iraguha led the 21km category, while Gabriel Nyangabyeki, Cheptoek Connel and Olinga Joel were among the leading finishers in the 10km race.
Independence Marathon organiser Robert Kabushenga said the event was intended to combine healthy living with a national cause.
He said every participant contributed to the campaign through registration, running or supporting the initiative.
Some participants said the maternal health objective gave them an additional reason to take part.
Carol Mutesi, one of the runners, said she viewed the marathon as both a fitness activity and an opportunity to contribute to efforts aimed at saving mothers’ lives.
Waldah Atheena of TMR Hospital also encouraged Ugandans to embrace voluntary blood donation, saying regular donations are important for maintaining adequate supplies for patients requiring emergency care.
She said the event ended without serious health complications or accidents involving participants.
The Independence Marathon is expected to become a regular feature of Uganda’s Independence celebrations, with organisers seeking to combine athletics with fundraising for social and healthcare causes.