India Independence blood drive targets 25,000 units
At the Maganjo drive, young and middle-aged donors were ferried to the venue in minibuses, while others walked to the factory to support the cause.
The blood donation campaign, launched by the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Singh Rawat, is running from August 15 to September 16, 2026. (Courtesy)
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A blood donation campaign launched to mark India’s Independence Day is targeting 25,000 units of blood, with hundreds of people turning up at WIN Recycling Factory in Maganjo, Kampala, to support the initiative.India Independence blood drive targets 25,000 units
The campaign, launched by the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Singh Rawat, is running from August 15 to September 16, 2026, with the Uganda Indian Association and the wider community being encouraged to participate.
At the Maganjo drive, young and middle-aged donors were ferried to the venue in minibuses, while others walked to the factory to support the cause.
The Honorary Consul of Colombia to Uganda, Mohan Rao, who was the guest of honour, said the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated the importance of people looking out for one another.
“We have to mind each other’s health and livelihood. Donate blood and save a life. It might be your wife, friend, sister or brother whose life will be saved when the need arises,” Rao said.
“We chose to undertake the campaign here in Maganjo by mobilising staff, the community in the neighbourhood and business partners to help us raise 1,000 units today,” he said.
The blood drive also coincided with the third annual anniversary of celebrating the life of the founder of WIN factory Gordhanbhai Sorathiya.
Nantabi Lillian of Safe Blood Transfusion said 600 units had been collected by the time
of the interview and expressed optimism that the 1,000-unit target would be achieved by the close of the exercise at 8:00pm.
The organisers offered donors additional health services. After donating blood, participants received free eye examinations, with those found to have vision problems given spectacles or medicines.
Donors also received basic food and household supplies, including rice, maize flour, washing soap and soft drinks. Five tonnes of maize flour and two tonnes of rice were set aside for distribution.
For some donors, however, the biggest reward was knowing that their contribution could help save a life.
Amulo Julian Martha, who felt weak and dizzy after donating blood, said she had been
motivated by the appeal to help people in need.
“It is my first time. I was inspired by the call to lend a hand to save lives that are in need of blood. I have no regrets,” she said.