Joy as Quality Chemical launches Hydroxyurea sickle cell drug

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I watched with deep joy as Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) launched Hydroxyurea, a locally made sickle cell drug that promises fewer painful crises, fewer hospital admissions, and a better quality of life for many families.

As a shareholder, I felt this moment was bigger than business. It reminded me why investing in local companies matters. When we back businesses that understand our realities, we make room for local solutions to local challenges, and that is the kind of impact worth believing in.

Yet even in this joy, my heart turned to friends who did not live long enough to see this day.  This moment arrived too late for some of the people I loved.

Joan Okune, whom we lost in 2013.

Nevender Joel Benjamin Ntwatwa, whom we lost in 2018.

Paul Sengooba, whom we lost in 2025.

They loved creative spaces. They loved writing. They loved life. And they carried their battles with a courage many people never fully saw.

They were gifted, creative, and generous souls who gave so much to the world around them. Joel supported SuccessSpark Brand Ltd’s social media, events, and writing retreats with courage and excellence. After his passing, Paul stepped in and brought life to our newsletters, website, and digital spaces. They never allowed sickle cell to steal their ability to serve, create, and live fully.

Watching this video of Diana Lindrio speak about progress made “by us, for us” makes this moment even more powerful. This development comes too late for some we loved, but it brings hope for the survivors.

As I listened, I thought of Joel. I thought of Paul. I thought of Joan. I thought of all the brilliant, tender, resilient people whose lives carried promise but were cut shorter than they should have been. This development cannot bring my friends back. It cannot return the years that sickle cell took from them. But it does something sacred for those who remain: it prepares hope for the survivors.

I am glad I believed in QCIL then, and I am even prouder now to see that belief translated into life-giving impact. While some investments grow portfolios, the best ones grow hope.

Written by

Jackee Batanda

Strategic Partnerships Architect | Author | Book Writing Mentor Executive Story Consultant | Editor

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