Indians in Uganda celebrate 79th Independence with blood donation drive

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The Indian Association of Uganda (IAU), in conjunction with the India High Commission, the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) and the Uganda Red Cross (URC) society, have embarked on an ambitious blood donation drive to raise over 11,000 blood units in a month.

This initiative aims to not only honour India's freedom fighters but also address Uganda's persistent demand for blood, according to India's High Commissioner to Uganda Upender Singh Rawat.

“We want to make this as part of our commemoration of the 79 years since we gained independence from the British in 1947. This effort seeks to supplement the blood supply to hospitals and health centres in the country [Uganda] in the period when schools are closing the term because students have been the most donors,” Rawat says.

Blood donation is a critical aspect of healthcare, with millions of units required annually to save countless lives.

Upender Singh Rawat, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda addressing the media. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“In India, the demand for blood far exceeds the supply, making initiatives like this blood donation drive crucial. By collecting 11,000 blood units, the drive aims to contribute significantly to the country's [Uganda] blood banks and support patients in need,” Rawat insisted.

IAU secretary Kumar Sasi Nair says they have organised through their remote offices in the districts of Arua, Lira, Mbarara, Bugiri, Kampala City Square, Bweyogerere, Luwum Street, Busega Market, St Balikuddembe Owino market and Kalerwe Market, among others, to be the leading centres of blood donation services.

Celebrating over 100 years of association

“As IAU, we are commemorating not only Indian Independence Day but also celebrating 103 years the association has spent in Uganda serving the local communities,” Nair said.

Founded in 1922, the association has been a cornerstone of the Indian community in Uganda, fostering peace and promoting social cohesion.

However, the journey was not without its challenges, as in 1972, during the reign of former president Idi Amin, Indians were expelled from Uganda, accused of “milking Uganda’s economy.”

It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that the Indian community returned to Uganda, and the Indian Association of Uganda was re-established.

UBTS cries out for more 30,000 blood units

Dr Ahmed Bumba, the physician working with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), welcomed the drive, revealing that Uganda is facing a critical shortage of blood units, particularly rare blood types.

“A partnership between UBTS and IAU aims to collect 3,000 units of rare blood types, specifically Rh-negative blood groups, which this exercise seeks to address the rising demand,” he noted.

Indian High Commission officials together with Indian community leaders in a group picture during the celebrations at the Indian Embassy. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

For the Ugandan health system to address blood shortage challenges, at least 1% of the population counted during the concluded census in 2024, he said.

“To reduce our deficit, we need 450,000 units of blood as compared to last year when we collected 420,000 units of blood because the population has now increased to over 45.5m people in the country,” he observed.

To achieve the target of 11,000 blood units, awareness about the drive should be spread through social media, local communities and public events.

“Potential donors are being encouraged to participate, with many already stepping forward to contribute. The drive's organisers should also be working to dispel common myths about blood donation and educate the public about its safety and importance,” he advised.

Several Indians who arrived for the Friday, August 15, 2025, function, launched the drive by donating blood; hundreds of thousands are expected to engage in the exercise for the whole month.

The Government has since established regional blood bank infrastructures countrywide to mobilise for the crucial blood donation exercises.

On the same day, Indians in Uganda joined millions of fellow countrymen and women across the globe at the Indian High Commission in Kyadondo, Kampala, to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day.

Despite being far from their homeland, the Indian diaspora in Uganda marked the occasion with great fervour and enthusiasm, showcasing their unwavering connection to their roots.

The celebrations were characterised by traditional flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and patriotic songs. Indians in Uganda, like their counterparts worldwide, came together to commemorate the sacrifices of freedom fighters and honour the country's rich cultural heritage.

According to Singh Manmohan, the Indian High Commission attaché, Independence Day is an emotional occasion that evokes memories of home and national pride.

“Parents made it a point to share stories of India's freedom struggle with their children, ensuring the next generation stays connected to their heritage. This emotional connection was palpable in the celebrations, with many participants expressing their love for India through patriotic songs, dances, and traditional attire,” he said.

Nostalgia and patriotism

Manmohan insisted that the celebrations in Uganda and elsewhere highlighted the strong sense of nostalgia and patriotism that defines the Indian diaspora.

“Despite being thousands of miles away from India, the community came together to honour their country's history and culture. This collective celebration served as a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and national pride that unites Indians worldwide,” he emphasised.

Independence Day is a momentous occasion in India, marking the country's liberation from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.

“The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism, featuring flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events,” Manmohan added.

Interestingly, India isn't the only country to celebrate independence on August 15. Other nations, including South Korea, North Korea, Bahrain, the Republic of the Congo, and Liechtenstein, also mark their freedom anniversaries on this date, each with its unique history and traditions.