The Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) has praised National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu for organizing a blood donation drive, calling it a crucial effort during the festive season, a time often marked by blood shortages.
At the collection center set up at the NUP headquarters, Samuel Davis Wante, a senior clinical leader at UBTS, described the initiative as “the best Christmas gift” for individuals in need, such as accident victims and mothers in labor.
“This drive is timely since blood shortages usually occur when schools—our primary source of donors—are closed,” Wante noted. He commended the effort, highlighting the logistical challenges often associated with public blood donation drives. “This initiative has eased our work significantly,” he added.
Wante acknowledged initial skepticism among his colleagues about collecting blood at the NUP headquarters but emphasized the universal need for donations. “The blood of Kyagulanyi can save Gen. Muhoozi, just as the blood of Muhoozi can save Kyagulanyi. Political battles don’t matter when it comes to saving lives,” he remarked.
Uganda requires 1,000 to 1,200 units of blood daily to meet hospital needs, with shortages more acute during the holiday season. UBTS encouraged more Ugandans to organize and participate in similar drives to ensure a consistent blood supply nationwide.