UETCL Staff Rally to Save Lives in Blood Donation Drive
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has joined the nationwide call to save lives through voluntary blood donation, following a successful drive that brought together staff and health partners at the company’s head office in Kampala.
Held in partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), the drive collected 64, a vital contribution as Uganda continues to face a nation-wide blood shortage.
The campaign was part of UETCL’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), held under the theme of this year’s World Blood Donor Day, “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives.”
“We believe in powering not just homes and industries, but also hope and humanity,” said Joshua Karamagi, CFA – the Chief Exectuive Officer of UETCL. “This blood donation drive is part of our continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and community wellbeing in line with our corporate Strategic Plan 2024-2029.” He added.
According to UBTS, schools and universities are typically the biggest contributors to the blood supply, but during school holidays, donations drop significantly leaving a dangerous gap. Hospitals like Mulago and regional referral centres frequently face emergency cases that require urgent blood transfusions.
“Blood is always needed in our health facilities to maintain the people who run short of blood especially the babies who suffer from malaria, sickle cell patients, mothers who lose a lot of blood during childbirth, accident victims and any other person being prepared for surgery,” said Elis Mushangye
UETCL first launched its staff blood drive in 2024, collecting over 60 units. This year’s drew participation from staff across departments and members of the public.
Uganda needs approximately 450,000 units of blood annually but only collects about 350,000 units. The shortfall puts lives at risk, especially accident victims, mothers in childbirth, and patients with chronic illnesses or undergoing surgery.
UETCL says its annual blood drive is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable, people-focused initiatives within its operations and beyond.
“We’re proud of our team, and proud to be part of the national effort to save lives.” said UETCL CEO Joshua Karamagi, CFA.
Looking ahead, UETCL plans to expand such health-focused programs under its Strategic Plan 2024–2029, including partnerships that promote wellness, safety, and sustainability in the communities where it operates.