A two-day blood donation drive has kicked off at Kitebi Secondary School in Wankulukuku, powered by a partnership between SICPA Uganda and Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS).
With a student population of approximately 4,000, the school offers a large pool of potential donors. According to Uganda Blood Transfusion Services guidelines, eligible donors must be aged 17 years and above. This makes students in Senior 3 through Senior 6 the primary target group for the drive. In addition, the campaign is rallying teachers, SICPA staff, and the wider community to step forward and save lives.
Uganda needs an estimated 450,000 units of blood each year, yet supply often falls short. Hospitals across the country frequently struggle to meet the demand for mothers during childbirth, children battling severe anaemia, accident victims, and patients with chronic illnesses.
“At SICPA, we believe in investing not only in technology and innovation but also in the well-being of the communities we operate in. Partnering with UBTS and Kitebi Secondary School allows us to contribute directly to saving lives while fostering a culture of service,” said Suzan Mweheire Kitariko, Country Manager, SICPA Uganda.
The Headmaster, Hajj Kamulegeya Muhammed, said: “We are proud to host this blood donation drive at Kitebi Secondary School. This initiative teaches our learners that giving back is part of leadership, and by donating blood, they are saving lives and strengthening the values that we stand for.”
“We appreciate the support of SICPA Uganda in making this drive possible. Every pint of blood donated is a lifeline, and we call on the public, especially the youth, to step forward, participate, and commit to becoming regular donors,” said William Mugisha, Principal Blood Donor Coordinator, Uganda Blood Transfusion Services.
The initiative is expected to attract a thousand donors and raise awareness about the critical importance of regular voluntary donation. In addition, it is contributing to SDG 3, corresponding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focusing on “Good Health and Well-being”. Through this initiative, SICPA Uganda can reinforce its positive social impact on local communities.