Charlotte Kainerugaba, the wife of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has partnered with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and the Ministry of Health to spearhead a nationwide blood donation campaign aimed at tackling blood shortages and protecting mothers during childbirth.
The month-long initiative is set to take the blood donation message across Uganda, with organisers mobilising communities and encouraging citizens to voluntarily give blood. The campaign comes amid concerns over the availability of sufficient blood supplies in health facilities when emergencies arise.A major focus of the campaign is pregnant women and mothers who may require urgent transfusions after losing significant amounts of blood during delivery. Organisers believe increasing blood stocks in hospitals can help reduce deaths resulting from severe bleeding during childbirth.
The shortage of blood also affects patients battling conditions such as sickle cell disease and leukaemia, as well as others who depend on transfusions as part of their treatment. Health facilities therefore require a steady supply to meet both emergency and routine medical needs.Kainerugaba was present at Kololo Grounds for the campaign’s official launch, where she toured the blood donation facilities and met some of the volunteers. Security personnel, including members of the Special Forces Command, joined PLU supporters in donating blood, with the PLU contingent led by Minister of State for Local Government Balaam Barugahara.Addressing participants, Kainerugaba stressed the urgent need for Ugandans to contribute to the national blood supply. She noted that excessive blood loss remains a major danger for women during childbirth and urged citizens to donate so that blood is available when patients need it most.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said government was working to improve and expand blood banks in different parts of the country. Meanwhile, Dr Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire of Uganda Blood Transfusion Services called on Ugandans to make voluntary blood donation a regular practice, emphasising that the demand for blood remains high.
Barugahara pledged to mobilise more people to participate in the campaign during his countrywide engagements, while PLU members welcomed the initiative and committed themselves to spreading the message. The campaign will run for one month, with organisers hoping to inspire more Ugandans to donate blood and ultimately help save lives.
