The Healthy Heart Foundation (HHF) hosted the Ettendo Worship Concert on Friday, March 27th, at Hotel Africana.
The fundraising event, supported by I&M Bank, brought together worshippers, well-wishers, and stakeholders in a shared mission to address the financial challenges faced by families unable to afford specialised cardiac treatment for their children.
Proceeds from the event will go towards life-saving heart surgeries, necessary referrals for specialised treatment abroad, and comprehensive post-surgery care- including medication and long-term follow-up to ensure improved health outcomes.
The event came alive with vibrant and soul-stirring performances from renowned gospel artists and choirs, including Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Twino Herbert, Golden Gates Choir, Streams of Life, and Jehovah Shalom Acapella, among others.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, was one of the dignified guests at the do. In his remarks, the Buganda Premier urged families, especially men, to take responsibility, particularly in situations involving serious medical conditions.
“Let us stop being negligent and prioritize health. When challenges arise in families, we must support our wives and stand with them, especially in matters of health. Good health is a responsibility for all of us,” he said.
The Katikkiro also commended the head of the Healthy Heart Foundation, – Owek. Ritah Namyalo Waggwa, and her husband- Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, together with their partners and collaborators, for their dedication, compassion, and commitment, to supporting vulnerable children through the initiative.
In her remarks, Namyalo highlighted the serious burden of the heart disease in Uganda, noting that public awareness remains low and access to treatment is limited due to the high cost of care.
“In Uganda, about 16,000 children are born with heart defects each year. If you are fortunate to have children without such conditions, be grateful. The challenges faced by families dealing with this illness are immense,” she noted.
She said that this year’s campaign would help up to 100 children access life-saving heart surgery.
Several contributors were also recognized and awarded for their efforts towards improvement of lives of children with heart conditions.
I&M Bank, which has consistently championed community-focused initiatives through a range of CSR outreach activities over the years, continued to deepen its impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.
“I&M Bank has long been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of communities through targeted outreach and support programs. Our CSR strategy is anchored on four key pillars: Education and Skills Development, Economic Empowerment, Environmental Conservation, and Enabling Giving. This initiative falls under ‘Enabling Giving,’ reflecting our commitment to supporting children and families in accessing life-saving healthcare and essential services,” I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications- Annette Nakiyaga, said.
Despite growing awareness and improved local treatment, heart conditions continue to place a heavy burden on Ugandan children. Studies show that over 30 percent of school going children with rheumatic heart disease, die within a few years of diagnosis without intervention.
Many others develop severe complications, such as heart failure, while a significant number live with malnutrition and rhythm disturbances associated with congenital conditions, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support, early detection, and expanded access to life-saving care.
