Kampala, Uganda |Housing Finance Bank, in partnership with Universal M. Enterprises Affordable Housing and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), has successfully conducted its sixth annual blood donation drive, collecting 52 units of blood to help address the country’s growing demand for lifesaving blood supplies.
The blood donation exercise, held on July 10 at the Bank’s Head Office in Kololo, brought together employees, customers, partners and members of the public in a joint effort to support patients in need of blood transfusions. The donated blood will be processed by UBTS before being distributed to health facilities across Uganda, where it will benefit mothers facing childbirth complications, accident victims, children suffering from severe anaemia, surgical patients and individuals receiving treatment for chronic illnesses.
The initiative comes as Uganda continues to experience a significant shortage of blood. According to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, the country requires about 500,000 units of blood annually to meet demand but collected approximately 439,000 units last year. The shortage means that nearly one in every ten patients who need a blood transfusion may not receive one in time.
Speaking during the event, Housing Finance Bank Executive Director Peace Ayebazibwe reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting healthy communities, saying the institution believes saving lives is fundamental to sustainable development.
She noted that blood donations often make the difference between life and death, especially in cases of road accidents and medical emergencies, adding that the Bank will continue partnering with organisations to promote voluntary blood donation and strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system.
Universal M. Enterprises Affordable Housing Managing Director Muffadal Yeolawala praised the partnership, describing it as a demonstration of corporate responsibility and a shared commitment to improving people’s lives.
He encouraged more individuals and organisations to participate in blood donation campaigns, saying every unit donated has the potential to save a life and help meet the country’s increasing demand for safe blood.
Representing the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Blood Donor Recruiter Esther Awori commended Housing Finance Bank and its partners for their continued support. She urged more Ugandans to become regular voluntary blood donors, emphasizing that consistent donations are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable national blood supply.
The annual blood donation drive reflects Housing Finance Bank’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive social impact through partnerships that address critical healthcare needs while contributing to stronger and healthier communities across Uganda.