Kampala, Sunday, May 12: On this year’s Mother’s Day, celebrated on Sunday, May 12, 2024, I&M Bank Uganda demonstrated their commitment to maternal health and women’s empowerment by donating 500 mama kits and eight (8) emergency trolleys to St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, commonly known as Nsambya Hospital. The whole package donated is worth UGX 42,400,000.

At the hospital donation exercise, I&M Bank also showcased the I&M Free SACCO Account, a new service specially crafted for women in business. This initiative offers women entrepreneurs access to savings and loans of up to UGX100M to foster business growth, all without requiring collateral.

Speaking at medical institution’s Mother Kevin Wing, I&M Bank Uganda CEO Mr. Robin Bairstow noted that the generosity they have shown through the hospital donation exemplifies their commitment to making tangible differences in communities and enhancing healthcare services, particularly for expectant mothers.

“At I&M Bank, we value the vital role that mothers play within our communities. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we stand tall in our efforts to stand by those mothers who require support, reinforcing our pledge to enhance the lives of women and other vulnerable groups in our society,” Mr. Robin Bairstow said adding that; “This donation represents our earnest endeavor to foster improved maternal health and bolster the welfare of both mothers and their newborns within our local community.”

Dr. Andrew Ssekitoleke who is the Chief Executive Officer of Nsambya Hospital expressed gratitude, stating that it (the donation) will greatly alleviate the burden on mothers since the items will be distributed free of charge. He also noted that the declining support from both government and private partners in recent times, underscoring the importance of I&M Bank’s contribution in providing crucial support to mothers in need.

“The future of maternal healthcare is in partnerships, and this generous donation from I&M Bank will significantly alleviate the burden that some mothers have been enduring. Contributions like these from entities such as I&M Bank are invaluable in ensuring continued support for mothers in need,’’ Dr. Ssekitoleke said.

Rev. Sr. Dr. Assumpta Nabawanuka, Clinical Director at Nsambya Hospital, praised the generous contribution from I&M Bank, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the timely support extended to the hospital. “This donation will be instrumental in assisting financially struggling mothers who may even face challenges in acquiring basic necessities,” Nabawanuka remarked. “When you alleviate the burden from a mother, you’re essentially lifting a burden from an entire family,” she added, emphasizing the ripple effect of such support on the well-being of families in need.

The 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey reported significant improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates. The Maternal Mortality Ratio decreased from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate decreased from 43 to 34 per 1,000 live births. These positive trends signify progress in maternal and child health outcomes in Uganda. Additionally, initiatives such as the recent donation exercise by I&M Bank Uganda, providing essential support to pregnant mothers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and children across the country.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT I&M BANK (Uganda) LIMITED

I&M Bank (Uganda) Limited launched its operations in Uganda on 08 November 2021 following the acquisition of Orient Bank. I&M Bank Uganda is part of I&M Group PLC. I&M Group PLC was incorporated on 16th August 1950 and is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

I&M Group is diversified with interests in Banking, Insurance, corporate finance advisory, real estate and has subsidiaries in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mauritius.

The Group prides itself on its strong values and key strengths of innovative service and strong customer relationships and through these pillars the Group aspires to be “Eastern Africa’s Leading Financial Partner for Growth’’ by offering innovative and market driven banking solutions for its target segments. www.imbankgroup.com/ug

ABOUT I&M GROUP

I&M Group is a leading financial services group in East Africa, with a major presence in Banking, Insurance and Real Estate. The Group offers a full range of personal, business, and alternate banking channels through its presence in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Uganda.

I&M Bank Kenya, I&M Holding’s flagship entity, was incorporated in the Republic of Kenya on 14th May 1974 under the name Investments & Mortgages Limited. I&M Group Plc operates in five countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Mauritius through its subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint venture investments in each of these countries. Approximately 80% of I&M Holdings Plc’s asset value stems from our Kenyan operations with the largest entity by asset value being I&M Bank Limited.