I&M Bank Uganda has partnered with the Nnaabagereka Fund to organise the first Queen’s Ball, aimed at raising funds to support women, youth, and children with mental issues. Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala on Tuesday, Robin Bairstow, the I&M Bank CEO, said they were to partner with the Nnaabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda in a bid to address the issue of mental health in the country. “Mental health is a critical issue facing our society, and through our collaboration with the Nnaabagereka we aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women, youth, and children in Uganda,” Bairstow said. According to the Uganda Counselling Association Report for 2023, approximately 14 million Ugandans (32%) were said to be affected by mental health challenges in 2022. The Nnaabagereka noted that since its establishment in 2022, the Nnaabagereka Fund has been ‘a beacon of hope,’ providing essential assistance in areas such as mental health, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment and called on all people of goodwill to partner with her for more impact. “I have seen the transformative power of compassion, understanding and support, this spirit of empathy drives us forward today as we strive to have a community where no one suffers in silence. Let us recommit ourselves to the cause of mental health advocacy; let us pledge to be beacons of hope to those who are struggling, to be allies to in the fight against stigma, and to be agents of change in our communities,” she said. “We are delighted to join forces with I&M Bank Uganda for the Queen’s Ball. Together, we can shine a light on mental wellness and create lasting legacies for future generations.” Scheduled to take place at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Tuesday May 9, the Queen’s Ball promises to be a high-profile event, bringing together top Government officials, chief executives, diplomats, corporate sponsors, as well as officials from Buganda Kingdom and other cultural institutions to support a worthy cause. Typically, the Queen’s Ball is a popular prestigious and formal event designed to celebrate the queen and provide an opportunity for guests to rub shoulders with crème la crème of society in an elegant setting as well as dance, wine and dine with the Queen of Buganda complete with live music and performances by top artistes.
