In a collaborative effort to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day 2023, under the theme "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”, Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) together with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) and DFCU Bank organized a two-day blood donation drive in Kampala city aimed at raising awareness about the importance of blood donation and to encourage individuals to donate blood.

Uganda Red Cross Society is mandated through its auxiliary role to Government of Uganda to carry out blood donor recruitment countrywide, a role played to support Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) to reach its annual blood collection targets.

Through the years, URCS has established a broad base of community blood donors that include URCS members, volunteers, corporate partners and other URCS networks, which move has led to a tremendous increase in the amount of blood mobilized.

Spanning across multiple locations, including the DFCU head office, City Square, Owino, Nakasero Market, and Nateete, the two-day blood mobilization drive successfully collected a total of 269 units of blood. During his address, Robert Kwesiga – Secretary General URCA expressed his gratitude to DFCU Bank for their unwavering support and commitment to hosting blood mobilization drives at several of their branches. He emphasized the significance of replenishing the blood supply, as it is a consumable resource that constantly needs to be replenished.

Kwesiga further acknowledged the valuable of the partnership between URCS and DFCU Bank, highlighting the bank's pivotal role in ensuring a sufficient blood supply for those in need.

DFCU Bank’s CEO Charles Mudiwa noted that the need for blood can arise unexpectedly, and thus it is crucial for individuals to support blood donation drives. He stated that, "As DFCU, our purpose is to transform lives and businesses in Uganda, and for that to happen, people need to be healthy. Blood is an integral part of that healthiness, and we work alongside our partners such as UBTS and URCS to make it possible."

Ms. Juliet Adong, Principal Assistant Secretary of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), extended her heartfelt appreciation to the blood donors, referring to them as heroes. She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with organizations like DFCU Bank in supporting UBTS's mission of improving healthcare and saving lives.