The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Motorised Infantry Division, in partnership with the blood bank programme under the Nakasongola Community Blood Crisis initiative, a blood donation exercise at Nakasongola Cantonment. The exercise involved personnel from the Motorised Infantry Division and the Uganda Air Force College.
Speaking at the exercise, Major General Charles Byanyima, the Commander of the Motorised Infantry Division, commended officers and soldiers for participating in the exercise. He encouraged them to continue donating blood not only for their own benefit and that of their families and friends, but also to save the lives of people involved in accidents and those suffering from various illnesses.
Colonel Ali James Uma, the Commandant of the Uganda Air Force College Nakasongola, said that the donated blood would support fellow Ugandans suffering from severe illnesses and mothers who lose blood during childbirth.
Lieutenant Doctor Simpson Ssemwogerere, a Medical Officer at Nakasongola Military Hospital, said the blood collected from soldiers would greatly support the hospital, especially during the holiday season when the country experiences blood shortages.
Senior Nursing Officer Asha Shamirah Agip thanked the Cantonment for mobilisation efforts, which enabled a turnout of 250 donors on the first day of the exercise. She commended commanders for leading by example through personally participating in the donation exercise.
She further revealed that storage facilities have been established at Nakasongola Military Hospital to preserve blood supplies for future use. She cautioned against individuals who charge patients for blood, emphasising that blood is provided free of charge.
The exercise attracted participation from the Division Training and Operations Officer, the Division Administration Officer, senior and junior officers, as well as soldiers, all of whom joined in the spirit of saving lives through blood donation.
