UBL Funds the Production of  Information brochures for the Sickle Cell Association of Uganda

29th May 2006….Uganda Breweries Limited has funded the production of 15,000 brochures for the Sickle Cell Association of Uganda (SAU). The brochures, which are in several local languages, will be used during the Association’s Outreach Programmes across the country.


Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Sickle Cell Offices in Mulago, UBL’s External Affairs and Communication Director, Brenda Mbathi said that the Company was pleased to assist SAU wherever it could. “We trust that the material will be beneficial in creating awareness about Sickle Cell”, said Mrs. Mbathi.


Speaking after receiving the brochures, the Association’s Chairlady, Ruth Nankanja thanked UBL for the support. “We are very grateful to UBL for constant support they have given us over the years, from the establishment up of our Association to the continual awareness raising campaigns we conduct. With the UBL funded brochures, we can now easily access the rural areas some of which are hard hit by the disease”, said Ms. Nankanja.


The brochures are in English, and other local languages such as Luganda, Runyoro, Rwamba / Rubwisi, Luo, and Rutoro.


The Sickle Cell Association is a Non-Governmental organization founded in July 2000 and launched in January 2001. It aims to promote the interests and services for patients with sickle cell disease, increase public awareness of the disease throughout Uganda, improve research and knowledge to reduce illness and deaths of affected patients and provide counseling facilities and education to parents and their families.


The Sickle Cell disease is an inherited blood condition which is caused by a chemical difference in the hemoglobin. It is not contagious; it is a hereditary condition which is passed onto the child when both parents have the Sickle Cell trait. In Uganda the frequency of the sickle cell trait varies markedly between tribal groups from 1-4% among the Karamajong, Banyankole, Bahima, and Bachiga; 16-20% among the Baganda, Itesot, Acholi, and Banyoro; 20-28% among the Bakiga, Basoga, Bagisu, and Lugbara; and 40% (the highest frequency described anywhere in the world) among the Baamba.  About 25.000 babies with Sickle Cell disease are born in Uganda each year and most will die in early childhood.   Many of these deaths could be avoided with proper diagnosis and management.

In 2005, UBL sponsored an “Outreach programme” with the aim of sensitizing rural communities.  This programme is being carried out in Soroti, Lira, Fortpotal, Kasese and Bundibugyo.


For further information please contact UBL External Affairs and Communications Office on 0312 21 0011