Blood donation: Why bank prefers schools
Speaking at the same event, Upendra Singh Negi, the second secretary at the Indian High Commission, praised the Indian Association for their unwavering commitment to blood donation efforts.
(L-R) Jatin Udani Executive Committee Member and in charge medical forum, Paresh Metha, Chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, Dr Dorothy Kyeyune, Executive Director Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Patidar Samaj, Neala Hudda and Upendra Singh Negi, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission after addressing Journalists at Namirembe Hillside. (Credit: Violet Nabatanzi)
By Violet Nabatanzi
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - Over 80 per cent of blood collected in Uganda is donated by learners in schools.
According to Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) executive director Dr Dorothy Kyeyune, this is due to the learners' low risk of infections and high willingness to participate.
Kyeyune made the revelation while officiating at the World Blood Donor Day celebrations on June 14, 2025, at the Namirembe Hillside School in Kampala. The event was commemorated under the theme: Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.
She noted that students are not only easier to mobilise but are also highly responsive to the country’s blood needs.
“Your generosity saves lives, strengthens communities, and embodies the spirit of solidarity,” Kyeyune said, while commending past and present donors.
“We have mothers facing childbirth complications, children with severe malaria-induced anaemia, accident victims and patients with sickle cell and cancer many of whom depend on your blood to survive.”
Screening of blood
Kyeyune emphasised that all donated blood undergoes a thorough two-step screening process to ensure safety. The process begins with careful donor selection from low-risk groups such as schools, followed by rigorous testing for transfusion-transmissible infections. Any blood found to be infected is safely discarded.
She also lauded the Indian Association of Uganda and the Indian High Commission for organising and consistently supporting blood donation drives across the country.
Speaking at the same event, Upendra Singh Negi, the second secretary at the Indian High Commission, praised the Indian Association for their unwavering commitment to blood donation efforts.
Paresh Metha, the chairperson of the Indian Association Uganda, noted that nine donation centres were set up for the day’s activities.
These included Steel and Tube Industries in Namanve and Nakawa, Roofing Rolling Mills Namanve, St. Charles Lwanga School Mubende, Namirembe Hillside School, and Bulange Mengo, among others.
“Today is a special day,” Metha said. “Let us celebrate the heroes, our blood donors who continue to save millions of lives around the world.”