UCC PARTNERS WITH MENGO ROTARY BLOOD BANK TO BOOST NATIONAL BLOOD SUPPLY

KAMPALA, July 09, 2026 – Blood can mean the difference between life and death, yet it is one gift that cannot be manufactured. It can only come from the generosity of another person.

In a show of solidarity with patients in need of lifesaving transfusions, staff of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) rolled up their sleeves to donate blood during a drive organised in partnership with the Mengo Rotary Blood Bank.

Held at UCC House in Bugolobi, the exercise involved staff members who voluntarily donated blood to help replenish Uganda’s blood supply and support patients requiring emergency transfusions. Driven by the spirit of Corporate Social Responsibility, the activity was initiated by the Internal Audit and Risk Department as part of the Internal Audit Awareness Week 2026.

Representing the Commission, Director of Internal Audit and Risk Alice Nyangoma said the blood donation exercise demonstrates UCC’s belief that corporate citizenship extends beyond the workplace.

“As an institution that values Corporate Social Responsibility, we believe supporting the national blood supply is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to society. Every unit of blood donated has the potential to save a life and strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system,” she said.

The Blood Donor Recruitment Manager at Mengo Rotary Blood Bank, Franco Ariho, reminded donors that blood remains one of the few medical resources that has no artificial substitute.

“There is no machine that makes blood, no factory that produces it and no medicine that can replace it. The only source of blood is a healthy person who willingly donates it,” Ariho said.

He noted that donated blood is vital for treating road traffic accident victims, mothers experiencing excessive bleeding during childbirth, cancer patients, people living with sickle cell disease, severe malaria patients and individuals undergoing major surgery.

Mr. Ariho encouraged Ugandans to donate blood regularly instead of waiting until a relative or friend requires an emergency transfusion, explaining that every unit of donated blood undergoes rigorous laboratory screening before it is certified safe for use. The blood is then distributed to licensed health facilities across the country.

On her part, Annet Namirembe of Mengo Rotary Blood Bank commended UCC for consistently supporting voluntary blood donation drives and urged more organisations to incorporate similar initiatives into their corporate social responsibility frameworks.

She observed that regular partnerships with institutions such as UCC play a vital role in maintaining adequate blood stocks and ensuring hospitals have sufficient supplies to respond to emergencies.

The blood donation drive underscores UCC’s commitment to good corporate citizenship by supporting initiatives that directly improve the wellbeing of ordinary people.