Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Enid Origumisiriza Atuheire has urged residents of Kabale and Ugandans across the country to embrace voluntary blood donation to help save the lives of patients requiring transfusions.
Origumisiriza made the appeal during a blood donation drive held at Kabale Main Stadium. The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Lake Bunyonyi in partnership with the Kabale Corporate Club as part of activities to mark World Blood Donor Day, commemorated globally on June 14.
Speaking at the event, Origumisiriza emphasized that blood donation is a vital humanitarian act because blood cannot be manufactured and can only be obtained through voluntary donors.
“Accident victims, expectant mothers, children suffering from severe anaemia, and patients undergoing surgery across the country depend on donated blood to survive. Uganda continues to face blood shortages, putting many lives at risk,” Origumisiriza said.
She encouraged residents, especially young people, to participate in blood donation campaigns, noting that a single unit of blood can help save multiple lives.
Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Lake Bunyonyi President Aggrey Masiko said the blood drive was part of the club’s commitment to humanitarian service and addressing critical community needs.
“Many Ugandans lose their lives due to inadequate blood supplies in health facilities, yet this challenge can be addressed through collective action. I urge the public to respond positively to blood donation campaigns because the need for blood is constant,” Masiko said.
Daudi Turyagumanawe, a resident of Rukiga District who donated blood during the exercise, said he was inspired after witnessing patients struggle to access blood in health facilities. He described blood donation as a civic responsibility for all eligible citizens.
Alex Nkwasibwe, the Kabale District blood bank team leader on the organizing committee, said the partnership with the Corporate League helped mobilize participants from different organizations, increasing the number of blood units collected for the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service.
Organizers said the campaign was aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of regular blood donation and supporting efforts to address shortages in health facilities.