UBTS in eastern donation drive, Bugiri factory commits 600 units of blood

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Despite an increase in blood collection by the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), shortages of the life-giving liquid in most health facilities continue to bite due to inadequate donations, among other factors.

Therefore, in a bid to cut the shortage in hospitals around the country, UBTS says it has launched a blood donation drive in eastern Uganda.

The drive, organised in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross, aims to address the persistent shortage of blood in the region, where demand often outstrips supply, endangering the lives of pregnant mothers, accident victims and sickle cell patients.

(Credit: Rhyman Agaba)

Jinja regional blood bank manager Dr Paul Kaggwa made the revelations during the donation drive at the Bugiri Sugar Company factory in Bugubo village in Kapyanga sub-country, Bugiri district, on March 1, 2026. 

Kaggwa lauded Bugiri Sugar for its relentless efforts over the past three years.

The sugar company's director, Bernard Baguma, said this marked the company's third consecutive year of participating in the drive and that they have committed to collect at least 600 units of blood annually to bolster the regional blood bank.

"This is our third time offering blood to UBTS, and we are committed to supporting this need every year," Baguma said.

"Beyond providing the venue, we have mobilised our staff and community members, and we are providing transportation, food, and gifts to the donors to ensure we meet our target and contribute more to the blood bank for the needy."

The company has increased its target from 400 units in previous years to over 600 units this year.

He noted that such partnerships are vital for UBTS to meet the national demand of up to 460,000 units of blood annually.

"We at UBTS are immensely grateful for this partnership. Bugiri Sugar has kept the support for blood for the third year now, and this consistency is what saves lives," said Dr Kaggwa.

"I call upon other corporate organisations to copy this spirit. If we have more players like Bugiri Sugar, we will save more lives across the region," Kaggwa said.

He added that all blood collected through the drive will be distributed free of charge to those in urgent need, including emergency cases and chronic patients.