Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group We Are One, Uganda, held a mass group blood donation campaign in the central region of Nansana in the East African nation of Uganda. The blood donation drive was held on 'Independence Day' on October 9th 2022, with the contribution of 2025 blood donors under the theme, “Save Life with Shincheonji”.

The event was held at short notice following a request for blood issued by Nakasero Blood Bank to the Youth Volunteer Group ‘We Are One’ because of a current shortage in blood supply.

To this end, Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group ‘We Are One’ Uganda held its inauguration ceremony on 24 September 2022 for the local communities in Uganda and thereafter the youth group members participated in voluntary activities including picking up rubbish on the street to tidy neighbourhoods.

Mr. David Nkwanga, the representative of the Youth Group ‘We Are One’ said, “It is more meaningful because it was a blood donation that a lot of young adults in Uganda participated in with one heart for the common good. I think our future is bright when we start to love our neighbours, helping them according to the teaching of Jesus Christ. I would like to express my gratitude to all who came running to the news of the suffering from a blood supply shortage nationwide. We will diligently serve as the light and salt and give glory to God.”

Nampewo Shamrat, a resident of Nsumbi village, expressed her gladness at being part of the occasion because of the uncharacteristically selfless act she witnessed.  She said that giving blood is particularly helpful in the current climate of the blood supply crisis which poses the greatest threat to pregnant women and those in accidents who are in need of blood. She praised Shincheonji for donating blood twice this year. She said, “I have never seen that anywhere and also would like to urge other churches and people to copy from this church. Thank you, Shincheonji Church, for the blessing to our community.”

Another resident, Nsejje Mary, expressed her gratitude with this blood donation drive. She said that as is seen in the Bible, Jesus is the only person who shed his blood to save humanity from sin and death, and added that Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group is carrying this out in reality by following the teachings of Jesus Christ and saving life by donating blood. She also emphasised the need for blood for pregnant mothers.

Mr. Samuel David Wante, the clinical team leader at Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, thanked those who participated in this blood donation campaign and stressed that blood is life. He cited the increase of malaria, which destroys blood cells in the body, in Eastern and Western Uganda and the subseqeunt pressing need for blood.

Mr. Wante also mentioned the benefits to the donor of donating blood, including reducing the chances of high blood pressure, blood clotting, and other issues. Therefore, he urged people to donate blood for their own benefit, to save the lives of pregnant women, those with severe malaria, and those who have been involved in accidents. Lastly, he urged media agencies to promote this blood donation effort.

A minimum of 450,000 units of blood are required per year in Uganda to save lives. A total of over 574 blood units were collected through this donation.

Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group 'We Are One' was launched on July 30 in South Korea and is the largest youth group of its kind in Korea with a membership of 90,000. It was established with the purpose of resolving domestic challenges and global crises by practising love for the community in four areas including volunteerism, the creation of a sustainable environment, world peace, and education. It has been conducting its 'Live ON Youth ON' blood donation campaign in Korea with a collective target of 70,000 blood donations. The number of blood donations in Korea currently stands at 65,000 and is expected to exceed 100,000.