Test for sickle cell disease before marriage — Busoga premier
According to Noor, Busoga faces an alarming situation, with over 5,000 children born annually with sickle cell disease.
Busoga Kingdom's 2nd deputy Prime Minister Al-Haji Osman Ahmed Noor (2nd Left) and Raising Hope International Executive Director Isaac Okello (Left) handing over a certificate of appreciation to the staff of Fortbet Uganda led by John Nanumba (3rd Right) while at the Jinja Rugby ground on Sunday. (Photos by Donald Kiirya)
Donald Kiirya
Journalist @New Vision
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In a bid to reduce sickle cell disease rate in Busoga, the kingdom’s second deputy premier, Al-Haji Osman Ahmed Noor has urged the public to always prioritise sickle cell testing before marriage.
He has also called upon religious leaders to lead the call for sickle cell testing in the kingdom and beyond, saying early intervention can significantly improve health outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Noor made the call while officiating at the Sickle Cell Awareness Run at Jinja Rugby Ground in Jinja City on March 9, 2025. The event, organised by Raising Hope International Friends (RHIF) in collaboration with various partners, aimed to raise awareness and support for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
According to Noor, Busoga faces an alarming situation, with over 5,000 children born annually with sickle cell disease and an 80% mortality rate before the age of five, ranking it among the highest-burden regions in Uganda.
“While the Ugandan government has made commendable efforts to set up sickle cell centres of excellence/clinics and improve treatment services, significant gaps remain. Busoga continues to face challenges such as misdiagnoses, limited public awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and financial hardships that hinder families from accessing proper care—many struggle with poverty and transportation barriers, further exacerbating the crisis,” he said.
He appreciated the unwavering commitment of various partners which has made remarkable progress.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Stabex International, Fortbet Uganda, and Pride Microfinance, along with other partners, for their generous support. A special thanks to Raising Hope International Friends (RHIF) for its dedicated advocacy and fundraising efforts, which have led to the procurement of a sickle cell testing machine, benefiting over 400 individuals so far,” he said.
He added that despite those achievements, more work remains and that increasing awareness in churches, schools, and communities is critical in ensuring early detection and proper management of sickle cell disease and this could be done by amplifying their voices and strengthening their efforts to reduce the sickle cell burden in Busoga.
Fortbet Uganda's Brand Ambassador Alex Muhangi (3rd Left) greeting Busoga Kingdom's 2nd deputy Prime Minister OAl-Haji Osman Ahmed Noor (Right) while at the Jinja Rugby ground on Sunday. 
He said Busoga Kingdom is also playing a pivotal role in supporting health initiatives within the region and that they remain committed to implementing and supporting programmes that improve healthcare services for their people adding that together, they can build a future where sickle cell disease no longer claims young lives unnecessarily.
A growing movement for change
RHIF managing director Isaac Okello said: “We have long struggled with myths, stigma, and lack of access to proper treatment, but today’s turnout shows that people are beginning to understand the importance of fighting sickle cell together.”
Okello said beyond the success of the run, RHIF has been at the forefront of expanding sickle cell advocacy and services across Busoga.
He said the organisation recently procured a sickle cell testing machine, which has already benefited over 400 individuals.
“RHIF has also increased awareness efforts through churches, schools, and community engagements, ensuring that more people understand the importance of early screening, premarital testing, and proper disease management,” Okello highlighted.
The road ahead
While strides have been made, the battle against sickle cell in Busoga is far from over. The region still faces high mortality rates, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and financial barriers that prevent many families from accessing treatment.
Advocacy efforts like the Sickle Cell Awareness Run and RHIF’s expanding outreach provide hope that with increased support and sustained efforts, Busoga can reverse the devastating impact of sickle cell disease.
“We must continue to push for more awareness, better healthcare access, and stronger community support. This is not just a fight for those with sickle cell; it’s a fight for the future of our children,” Okello said.