Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in partnership with Buganda Kingdom and Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) on 5th January 2023 launched a blood donation drive for Kyadondo county with an aim of bridging the blood gap in the country. This year, URCS envisages to raise 450,000 units of blood through strategic engagements and partnerships as well as intensifying blood donor recruitment information dissemination in all parts of the country.
Chairman Central Governing Board URCS, Dr. Kirunda Halid while addressing guests at Bulange Mengo where the launch was held, thanked the Kabaka of Buganda for being a blood champion who cares for the health of the people of Buganda and Uganda at large.
He also thanked the religious leaders for being instrumental in mobilizing voluntary donors and joining this noble cause. “Blood remains a major need for anyone to keep alive,” Dr Kirunda noted.
The Chief Guest, Omulangira (Prince) Jjunju Crispin who represented the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II said,“It is such a great honor to see the people of Buganda Kingdom donating blood in large numbers to save lives. This initiative will help reduce blood shortage in hospitals.” Prince Jjunju called upon the general public to donate blood to save lives.
The 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom, Dr. Hajji. Twaha Kawase thanked all stakeholders for responding to the Kabaka’s call to donate blood. Kawase further emphasized that regardless of religion, tribe, age or political affiliations, it is everyone’s responsibility to fight blood shortage in the country.
He thanked the Uganda Red Cross Society, Kabaka Foundation, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, CBS FM, and BBS television for being at the forefront of mobilizing and collecting blood. Other stakeholders that joined the blood mobilization drive are religious leaders, taxi drivers and boda boda riders.
