On August 30, 2025, dfcu Bank made history by launching Uganda’s first corporate Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Kampala Blue Hearts, formed in partnership with Rotary International, represents a pioneering model of corporate-led service and social impact in Uganda.
To better understand this groundbreaking initiative, we spoke with Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at dfcu Bank.
Q&A with Helena Mayanja
Q1: What is the Rotary Club of Kampala Blue Hearts, and why is it historic for Uganda?
A: On August 30, 2025, dfcu Bank launched Uganda’s first corporate Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Kampala Blue Hearts is a groundbreaking partnership between dfcu Bank and Rotary International that allows our people to actively serve communities while building networks and driving humanitarian impact.
Q2: Why is this significant for dfcu Bank?
A: The launch is significant because it formalizes our long-standing commitment to community transformation in a globally recognized framework of service. For dfcu, it’s not just about writing cheques or supporting causes from a distance — it’s about giving our employees a structured platform to engage directly with communities, build partnerships, and deliver sustainable impact. It also positions dfcu as a thought leader in redefining how corporates can embed social responsibility into their culture.
Q3: How does the partnership align with dfcu’s mission?
A: It reflects our four community pillars: enterprise development (especially Women in Business), financial inclusion, vocational education, and health. Together with Rotary, we’re extending our role beyond banking to empower communities and embed ESG principles into our operations.
Q4: How does this embody Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self”?
A: By pioneering corporate service through Blue Hearts, dfcu demonstrates that companies, like individuals, can live out Rotary’s call to service—improving lives through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Q5: What will dfcu’s UGX 1 billion pledge support?
A: Over the next three years, our commitment will fund mobile medical camps across Uganda. These will deliver consultations with a focus on sickle cell anaemia, maternal and child health, immunizations, cancer and chronic disease screenings, HIV testing, dental and eye care, family planning, nutrition counseling, and blood donation drives. Complex cases will be referred to hospitals.
Q6: How does this encourage other businesses to act?
A: Kampala Blue Hearts sets a precedent: corporates can integrate service into their DNA. By leading with action, dfcu hopes to spark a movement where Ugandan businesses partner with networks like Rotary to drive sustainable community transformation.
Q7: How does this reflect Rotary’s focus and dfcu’s ESG commitment?
A: The partnership aligns with Rotary’s seven areas of focus, from education to disease prevention, and strengthens dfcu’s ESG promise. It prioritizes social impact, transparency, and accountability while deepening trust with the communities we serve.
Q8: What motivated dfcu to join hands with Rotary?
A: Rotary’s unmatched global network and humanitarian legacy made it a natural fit. This partnership reflects our ambition to extend beyond banking — to transform lives through sustainable, purpose-driven action.
Q9: What opportunities exist for public involvement?
A: The public and organizations can join us by supporting The Rotary Club of Kampala Blue Hearts’ initiatives — whether at medical camps, blood donation drives, or other community projects. Together, we can amplify impact and create a healthier, more prosperous Uganda.