Deepening India–Uganda relations yield over 15,000 units of lifesaving blood

___________________

The relationship between Uganda and India continues to grow stronger, with both countries engaging in a range of collaborative efforts that directly benefit Ugandans.

This was highlighted by the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat, during the closing ceremony of a one-month blood donation campaign organised by the Indian Association of Uganda (IAU) at Swaminarayan Temple in Bukoto, Kampala, on September 14, 2025.

The blood donation drive, which began on India’s Independence Day on August 15, collected 15,253 units of blood, surpassing the target of 11,000. The initiative was supported by the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), the Red Cross, and regional chapters of the Indian Association across the country.

According to High Commissioner Rawat, the Indian community in Uganda has been making significant contributions to the nation’s development, not only through economic activities but also through social and philanthropic work.

Members of the Indian Association of Uganda (IAU) donating blood at Swaminarayan Temple in Kisasi. (Photo by Nelson Kiva)

"The Indian community in Uganda is doing very well. They have had a presence in the country for over 100 years. Not just about working hard and contributing to the economy of the country, they are also making special efforts to contribute to the society in which they are living," Rawat said.

He noted that the Indian community’s involvement goes beyond the annual blood donation campaign to include support for heart surgeries, sports activities, medical camps and medicine distribution.

“There are many activities that are being done throughout the year, and all these are made possible because of the stable condition in the country. The opportunity given to foreigners to come and contribute to the economy, for which I also thank the people of Uganda and also the government of Uganda, led by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. From India, we have a very strong relationship with Uganda,” Rawat said.

He added that the successful blood donation drive and the growing collaboration between Uganda and India in various sectors are clear evidence of deepening ties between the two nations.

"The Indian community is one of the pillars of that relationship. With continued efforts and initiatives, the Uganda-India relationship is poised to reach new heights,” he said.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the wide-ranging nature of bilateral cooperation, which spans trade, politics, culture and defence.

"We have very strong bilateral trade, which has been consistently over $1 billion over the last several years. We have a strong political relationship, cultural relationship, and very strong defence ties," he noted.

One notable outcome of this cooperation is the establishment of a National Forensic Science University (NFSU) campus in Jinja, which specialises in forensic sciences, cyber security and homeland security.

The campus, which opened in 2024, is currently advertising for the 2025–2026 academic session. According to Rawat, the programmes are not limited to the military and security forces but are open to civilians as well.

He explained that the courses mainly focus on science, including a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, Master of Science in Digital Forensic and Information Security, Postgraduate Diploma in Fingerprint Science and Questioned Documents, and Postgraduate Diploma in Crime Scene Management, among others.

“The admission process is currently ongoing, and interested candidates can apply for these courses. The university, with its expertise in forensic sciences and cyber security, aims to provide specialised training to students from both government and private sectors,” he said.

Rawat also announced an upcoming event, a 4–5 kilometre walk and run to spread awareness and information about India, scheduled for 28 September.

Sasi Nair, secretary of the Indian Association, expressed gratitude to all participants and partners who contributed to the success of the blood donation campaign.

"This marks another milestone achievement, and we are glad that we were able to make a difference with this blood donation drive," Nair said.

He added that their target of 11,000 units had been exceeded, with 15,253 units collected, and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to other initiatives.

“Our other activities, like heart surgery, supporting the sports, education, scholarship, all other things continue to happen. And the Indian Association is ready to work with the community here, especially with the local population,” he said.

Jatin Udani, executive committee member of the Indian Association of Uganda in charge of the medical forum, revealed that medical teams were dispatched to districts including Arua, Hoima, Gulu, Jinja, Tororo and Mukono to collect blood.

The principal blood donor recruiter at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, William Mugisha, commended the successful partnership with the Indian Association of Uganda.

“You are great friends in partnership, and may God uphold this partnership because blood is not substitutable. We cannot get anything like blood. Blood is blood,” Mugisha said.

He also praised the association’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your commitment to saving lives remained unwavering. Whereas others were busy in hibernation, hiding, for you, the Indian Association remained on our side supporting us, and I am glad to say that globally Uganda never suffered shortage of blood during COVID-19," Mugisha said.