UCDA, UBTS collect 150 blood units in mass donation drive

By Najib Mulema

Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) has commended Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) for organizing a massive blood donation drive with an aim of supporting and giving life to Ugandans who need blood.

The donation drive took place on Friday at UCDA Headquarters in Kampala where the authority staff and members of the general public offered to donate blood.

The one-day exercise had a target of collecting 100 blood units but by the end of the day 150 units had been gathered.

UBTS Coordinator Mr. Michael Mukundane said UCDA has been part and parcel in a fighting against blood shortage in the country thus urging other parastatals to take a leaf from the coffee body.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank UCDA for undertaking this great cause to support and save lives of Ugandans in need of blood. I urge other parastatals to also carry out such donation drives,” said Mr. Mukundane.

Mr. Andrew Lajul Kilama, UCDA Board Secretary/Director Corporate services said this is the third time they are participating in donating blood as well as mobilizing their neighbors to do the same.

He disclosed that this is one way of giving back to the community and empowering lives of the people they work with.

Mr. Kilama further assured UBTS that they will continue partnering with them in donating blood since the process is continuous.

“This is just the beginning since they normally emphasize that donation of blood is a continuous thing so at every one time we all need to work together in order to mobilize people to donate blood and save lives,” he noted.

Mr. Kilama also advised UBTS to take blood donation drives in all parts of the country to enable the transfusion body accumulate the enough needed blood.

At the same event, UTBS used the opportunity to award UCDA for its continued contribution towards donating blood.