Thousands of Ugandans from Parliament, government ministries, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and local communities came together over the weekend for the 2026 Parliamentary Malaria Walk, united by a common goal of accelerating the fight against malaria and ending preventable deaths caused by the disease.
Among the organisations that participated was KCB Bank Uganda, whose staff joined the nationwide campaign to raise awareness, advocate for increased investment in malaria prevention and treatment, and demonstrate the private sector's commitment to improving public health outcomes.
Held under the theme, "No One Should Die of Malaria," this year's walk highlighted the urgent need for stronger collaboration in tackling a disease that continues to disproportionately affect children under five, pregnant women, and other vulnerable communities. Participants also called for greater public awareness, wider access to prevention tools, and sustained investment in healthcare systems.
Despite years of progress, malaria remains Uganda's leading cause of illness, accounting for an estimated 30–40 percent of outpatient visits and up to 20 percent of hospital admissions annually. The disease continues to place enormous pressure on families, healthcare facilities, and the country's economy, underscoring the need for collective action.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who served as the Chief Walker, called for a united national response to malaria, noting that the disease continues to undermine the health and education of Uganda's children.
"Malaria remains one of the greatest threats to our nation's future because it continues to keep our children out of school and places an enormous burden on families and our health system. Ending malaria requires all of us—government, the private sector, development partners, and communities—to work together to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment," he said.
Speaking on behalf of the bank, Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, said the fight against malaria requires every sector of society to play its part.
"Malaria is an economic and social issue that affects families, businesses, and the nation's productivity. At KCB Bank Uganda, we believe that sustainable development begins with healthy communities. We are proud to stand alongside Parliament, government, development partners, and fellow corporate organisations in supporting efforts to eliminate malaria. Every step we take today represents hope for healthier families and a stronger Uganda," Byuma said.
The bank said its participation reflects its broader commitment to creating lasting social impact through its brand promise, "For People. For Better." This commitment is demonstrated through partnerships that support health, education, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
By supporting initiatives such as the Parliamentary Malaria Walk, KCB Bank Uganda continues to contribute to national efforts aimed at building healthier, more resilient communities.
Now firmly established as an annual national advocacy event, the Parliamentary Malaria Walk continues to serve as a key platform for mobilising action against one of Uganda's biggest public health challenges, bringing together stakeholders to champion a future where no Ugandan dies from a preventable mosquito bite.
