Preparations for Uganda's Independence Marathon Gain Momentum

Preparations for the inaugural Independence Marathon in Uganda have gathered momentum, with hundreds of participants turning up for a build-up activation at Metroplex Shopping Mall in Naalya on September 19. The event, set to take place on October 4, aims to bring together runners, fitness enthusiasts, and corporate partners in a drive to help save mothers' lives. The marathon's organizers are placing maternal health at the center of the event, with funds raised supporting the establishment of a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.

The initiative targets one of the critical challenges in maternal healthcare, with postpartum hemorrhage remaining a leading cause of maternal mortality in Uganda. According to Franco Ariho, who is in charge of blood donation at Mengo Hospital, improving blood storage capacity could help prevent deaths that occur when lifesaving blood is not readily available. Ariho urged Ugandans to embrace regular voluntary blood donation, noting that a single donation has the potential to save multiple lives.

The 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) provides a strong statistical backdrop for the marathon's maternal-health campaign. The survey estimated Uganda's maternal mortality ratio at 189 deaths per 100,000 live births for the seven-year period preceding the survey. This represented a substantial decline from 336 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in the 2016 UDHS, although the figure still means that roughly two women die for every 1,000 live births from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes.

The UDHS 2022 also reported that maternal deaths accounted for 14 percent of all deaths among women aged 15-49 during the seven-year period before the survey. These figures underline why improving access to safe blood and strengthening storage capacity remain important components of efforts to prevent avoidable maternal deaths. The marathon's organizers hope that the event will help raise awareness and funds to address this critical issue.

Robert Kabushenga, the marathon's organizer, described the event as a platform where fitness, patriotism, and social responsibility converge. He encouraged participants to report to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, by 6 am on October 4. Registration kits are available at Shs 70,000, with registration accessible through FlexiPay, MTN MoMo, and Airtel Money. All finishers will receive commemorative medals.

Headline sponsor Stanbic Bank Uganda said its involvement reflects its Corporate Social Investment strategy and Positive Impact Agenda. Diana Ondoga, the bank's corporate social investment manager, said the bank chose to support the marathon because of its focus on postpartum hemorrhage and safe motherhood. "Safe motherhood is one of Stanbic's key impact areas because no woman should lose her life while giving life," Ondoga said.

The marathon is co-sponsored by TMR Hospital, Old Mutual, and the Ministry of Health. With the event expected to become an annual fixture ahead of Uganda's Independence celebrations, organizers hope the October 4 race will strengthen blood storage infrastructure and help more mothers access lifesaving care when they need it most. The event aims to bring together stakeholders to support a critical cause and promote a culture of fitness and social responsibility.

Key points

• The marathon aims to raise funds for a modern cold storage facility at the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank to address the critical challenge of postpartum hemorrhage in Uganda.
• The 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey reported a maternal mortality ratio of 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, with maternal deaths accounting for 14 percent of all deaths among women aged 15-49.
• The event is supported by Stanbic Bank Uganda, TMR Hospital, Old Mutual, and the Ministry of Health, and is expected to become an annual fixture ahead of Uganda's Independence celebrations.