Multiple Industries leads lifesaving blood donation drive

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Over 100 units of blood were collected last week during a successful blood donation drive organized by Multiple Industries Limited in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS).

The exercise took place at the company’s premises in Industrial Area and drew participation from staff, customers, and corporate associates.

Held under the theme “Save Life”, the drive reflected Multiple Industries’ growing commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The company, best known for its manufacturing of plastic and construction materials, has increasingly prioritized health-focused initiatives aimed at improving lives across the country.

Venugopal Pillai, the managing director of Multiple Industries Limited, described the campaign as an emotional and meaningful experience for the company.

“Donating blood feels great, especially when you understand that just one hour of your time and one pint of blood could save someone’s life,” he said. 

“We care deeply about the well-being of our communities and believe in giving back in every way we can.”

Pillai also called on other business leaders in Uganda to step up and support UBTS by organizing similar blood donation drives. 

“This is not a one-off gesture. It’s the start of a movement we hope will be embraced across the private sector. Businesses should rally their employees and open their premises for these life-saving initiatives,” he urged.

One donation of blood can save up to three lives

'Blood donation matters'

The company’s sales and marketing manager, Ratheesh Kumar, emphasized the critical timing of the drive. 

According to Kumar, Uganda often faces blood shortages during school holidays when most institutional donors are unavailable.

According to UBTS, schools and universities are usually their biggest contributors, but when they close, the blood supply drops drastically. “That’s where corporate players like us need to step in and fill the gap,” said Kumar.

He explained that hospitals, especially referral centres like Mulago Hospital, regularly face emergencies that require large volumes of blood. 

“If you have ever visited the casualty ward, you will see the urgency. Boda-boda accident victims, women experiencing delivery complications, surgical patients, many are in desperate need of blood, and often it’s not available,” he added.

Nuruh Nalwanga, a senior nursing officer at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, explained that many mothers lose their lives during childbirth due to excessive bleeding. 

Without a steady supply of safe blood for emergency transfusions, hospitals struggle to save these mothers, making blood shortages a major factor in Uganda’s maternal mortality crisis.

“We wanted to be part of the solution, however small our role may be,” said Kumar. “Blood is not manufactured. It can only be donated. That’s why efforts like this matter.”

UBTS estimates that for a country with a rapidly growing population, projected to reach 55 million by the end of 2025, there needs to be a consistent rise in blood donations in Uganda. 

On average, one unit of blood can save up to three lives, and with increasing demand from hospitals, every donation counts.

Employees at Multiple Industries welcomed the initiative and turned up in large numbers to donate. Many said it was their first time donating blood and were proud to contribute to a cause that directly impacts lives.

Pillai confirmed the company’s commitment to society and sustaining such humanitarian efforts. 

“At Multiple Industries, leadership goes beyond business performance, it’s also about setting an example and inspiring others. We are proud of our team, our partners, and the entire community that supported this noble cause.”

He said future drives are already being planned in partnership with UBTS and that the company is exploring ways to expand its social outreach programmes in areas such as health, sanitation, and education.

“We are part of the communities we serve. It is our duty to be there when they need us,” said Pillai.

“This is how real impact is made: through small but meaningful actions that ripple through society so as to make real difference to the quality of life.”