Ugandan troops serving under the United Nations Guard Unit XI (UNGU XI) in Somalia on Saturday joined the global community in commemorating World Blood Donor Day with a blood donation drive held at the Level One Field Hospital in Mogadishu.
Held under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives,” the initiative saw UPDF personnel voluntarily donate blood, reaffirming their commitment to humanitarian service and solidarity with host communities.
Lt Col Peter Ruyogoza Barigye, Commanding Officer of UNGU XI, described the exercise as a meaningful tribute to the lifesaving efforts of blood donors worldwide.
“This campaign recognises the critical role blood donors play in saving lives. I encourage all our officers and troops to take part in this life-saving initiative, just as other peacekeepers are doing around the world,” he said.
The event was organised in collaboration with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector One Level Two Field Hospital.
Captain Dr. Andrew Namaulula, the contingent’s medical officer, applauded the troops for their selflessness, noting that the donated blood will be used to provide urgent medical care to patients at AUSSOM facilities, the UNGU Medical Unit, and other hospitals across Somalia.
Lt Abubakar Yasin Ssempala, one of the donors, reflected on the importance of the gesture:
“As a United Nations peacekeeper, I believe that donating blood is a simple yet powerful act that can make a profound difference in someone’s life.”
The successful drive highlighted the UPDF’s enduring commitment to humanitarian values and is expected to enhance access to critical medical care for communities across Somalia.
