The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Thursday participated in a blood donation drive alongside the Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers.
The initiative aimed to contribute to the national blood bank, addressing critical shortages expected during the month of December.
Medical officials from Nakasero blood bank emphasized the importance of maintaining an adequate blood supply during this period.
Lt. Col. Dr. Richard Katungye, the SFC medical director highlighted the December deficit in blood reserves and emphasized the need for organized groups, particularly school children, to sustain safe donations.
Dr. Katungye underscored the impact of school children's absence during December on organized, safe blood donations. He cited instances from the past, such as the blood shortages experienced at Mbale regional blood bank in 2020 when schools were closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
"During the month of December, school children are at home, and they are the major source of organized, safe blood donations," stated Dr. Katungye.
The SFC doctor emphasised the importance of safe blood as ‘vital in saving lives of expectant mothers, children and casualties of road traffic accidents.’
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba's participation in this noble cause not only sets a commendable example but also underscores the importance of addressing the blood supply challenges in Uganda.
This is not the first health drive the UPDF General has taken part in. At the height of COVID-19 in the country in March 2021 when Ugandans were skeptical about embracing Covid vaccines, Gen Kainerugaba who was the SFC commander at the time publicly received his first Covid-19 Vaccine, encouraging all officers and men and Ugandans in general to embrace the vaccine.
