By Arao Denis
The NRM Chairperson for Lira City West Division, Mr. Tonny Olipa, has called upon all Ugandans to consistently support sick patients facing blood shortages in hospitals across the country. He urged the public to donate without prejudice, emphasizing that a single unit of blood has the potential to save up to three different patients.
Mr. Olipa made these remarks on Sunday, 30th August 2026, at GB Restaurant in Lira City, shortly after donating his own blood. He stressed that his donation is intended to help save the lives of brothers, sisters, and mothers currently receiving treatment at various health facilities but lacking adequate blood supplies. Consequently, he appealed to community members, business partners, corporate bodies, and institutions to always join hands in regular blood donation drives.
Chairperson Olipa specifically applauded the Lira Pakistan Association community for their remarkable show of love and solidarity through their blood donation efforts, particularly for the benefit of ailing patients. He noted that such selfless individuals are the kind of people the community needs—those who offer support without any form of segregation. He therefore encouraged all well-wishers to emulate the bright example set by the Pakistan Association.
Furthermore, Olipa added that we have tragically witnessed numerous deaths in hospitals daily due to blood shortages. However, he described the actions of the Lira Pakistan Association as truly amazing. He observed that despite their different ethnic backgrounds, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to provide blood without discrimination, proving that blood can work in any human being across the world.
The President of the Lira Pakistan Association community, Mr. Ateeq Muhammad Nawaz, told journalists that their association decided to organize this blood donation as part of their initiatives for this year’s Independence Day celebrations. He explained that the drive serves as a way of giving back to the local community across the entire Lango region.
Ms. Hellen Grace Anyode, Senior Blood Donor Recruitment Officer at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, also acknowledged and thanked the campaign organizers for registering an unusually high turnout. She revealed that following today’s camp, more than 250 units had already been collected within the allocated time for the exercise.
Ms. Anyode added that the blood bank expected the collection to exceed 300 units by the end of the program. She appreciated the Lira Pakistan Association for their extensive mobilization efforts, which ensured a strong public turnout. She noted that all the blood collected will be consumed by maternal emergencies, malaria, and sickle cell disease cases—some of the major conditions that consistently contribute to the high demand for blood.