The National Champion for Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) Awareness, Charlotte Kainerugaba, spearheaded a major national blood donation drive at Kololo Independence Grounds on Saturday, drawing support from government officials, civic leaders, and members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Minister Balaam Barugahara and PLU Secretary General Twalla Fadil joined Mrs. Kainerugaba at the venue to rally the public and support efforts to restock the national blood supply.
Organized in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) and Nakasero Blood Bank, the initiative seeks to address blood shortages in health facilities and reduce preventable maternal deaths caused by excessive bleeding after childbirth.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Kainerugaba emphasized that time is critical during childbirth complications, noting that severe bleeding requires immediate medical interventions and ready access to safe blood products. She highlighted that blood cannot be manufactured artificially, making regular voluntary donations essential to ensuring hospitals are equipped to save mothers during delivery.
Minister Balaam commended the initiative and announced plans to integrate these blood drives into his ongoing anti-corruption campaigns across the country. He explained that mobilizing communities for public health, alongside civic integrity, helps address broader social challenges and strengthens public services.
Meanwhile, PLU Secretary General Twalla Fadil mobilized supporters to participate in response to national calls for maternal health interventions and emergency care.
The collection exercise at Kololo served as the launchpad for a broader UBTS campaign, which will continue blood drives through regional facilities in Nakasero, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, and Fort Portal to maintain adequate stocks nationwide.
