By Ben Musanje
The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), in partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), has collected 839 units of blood through a nationwide blood donation campaign aimed at addressing critical shortages in health facilities across the country.
The two-day campaign, held from October 19 to 20, 2026, took place in Kampala, Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara districts, attracting participation from ERA staff, stakeholders in the electricity supply industry and members of the general public.
The initiative comes amid growing demand for blood to support emergency medical care, particularly accident-related interventions and other life-threatening health conditions that require urgent transfusions.
Speaking about the campaign, ERA Manager for Public Relations and Consumer Affairs, Diana Naisuna Nambi, said the partnership with UBTS was part of the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy, which prioritises interventions in health, education and environmental conservation.
Nambi emphasised that ERA’s mandate extends beyond regulating Uganda’s electricity supply industry to supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of communities across the country.
“ERA is pleased to have contributed to this life-saving initiative that will impact hundreds of Ugandans with a new lease of life,” she said.
She also commended the blood donors for their generosity and participation, noting that their contribution would help save lives and strengthen the country’s blood supply.
ERA’s Commitment to Community Development
The blood donation campaign adds to a series of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives undertaken by ERA to improve community livelihoods and promote sustainable development.
In the environmental conservation sector, the Authority has supported the protection of spring wells in various parts of Uganda, as well as tree-planting initiatives aimed at restoring water catchment areas around rivers that support hydropower plants and projects.
These interventions have been implemented across the Central, Western, West Nile and Northern regions, contributing to environmental protection and the sustainability of water resources critical to electricity generation.
ERA has also maintained its commitment to promoting gender inclusion in the energy sector through its annual “Women in Energy” initiative.
Launched in 2019, the programme brings together women professionals in the energy industry to inspire young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Through physical engagements, mentorship and inspirational talks, the initiative has reached more than 50,000 young women in 58 schools across different parts of Uganda.
The latest blood donation drive underscores ERA’s broader commitment to social responsibility, demonstrating how institutions within the energy sector can contribute to national development beyond their core regulatory functions.
By supporting healthcare, environmental conservation and education, the Authority continues to position community welfare as an important pillar of its institutional responsibility. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
