----------------

Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago has called for regular blood donation drives in schools and at public gatherings. 

He has in turn also advised schools to encourage students to donate blood.

According to him, the move will go a long way in saving lives since the youth form the majority of Uganda's population.

“Blood donations can only be done through drives in schools and public gatherings. We need to influence all schools to hold regular blood donation drives to save people who might die due to a lack of blood in health facilities," he says.

"Uganda is a blessed country composed of youth forming a bigger population that would contribute enough blood if they are mobilised well," Lukwago adds.

He made the remarks during a blood donation drive at Kampala High School on July 14, 2023.

The drive, during which Lukwago also donated blood, saw 100 units of blood collected from the students and school alumni. 

He said he was excited to join students as an old student (was in the school in 1985).

 He thanked the school administration for producing great leaders in the country like comedians Andrew Benon Kibuuka and Charles Ssenkubuge.

Alumni vice-chairperson Jimmy Musoke said they had a successful blood drive, which they plan to conduct annually.

The Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, flanked right by Rehema Babita, the Headteacher of Kampala High School with students during the blood donation drive in Kampala on July 14, 2023. (All Photos by Wilfred Sanya)

According to him, the move will enable them to contribute to society. Musoke thanked the school’s administration for keeping the school’s standards.

Benefits of donating blood

According to Samuel Wante, the blood collection clinical team leader at the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, donating blood has many advantages including knowing one's blood group and whether they have enough blood.

Wante said blood donation reduces the chances of acquiring blood pressure, which causes instant death of people. He explained that sometimes, having too much blood in the body causes consistent headaches and certain illnesses.

“In case you are not feeding well we advise, you to donate 450mm of blood every three months for men and four months for women, Wante said.

According to him, men above 65 years and women above 55 years are not allowed to donate blood because they tend to have illnesses.     

History of Kampala High School

Kampala High School was derived from Nakivubo Senior School, where the latter was named Aga Khan High School. 

Between 1972 and 1996, Kampala High School was run by the Government at the site where the current Aga High School is situated. It shifted to a new site on Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road.