The campaign was conducted across Bugangaizi East and West, Buruli, Bujenje, Buliisa, and Masindi Municipality, with mobilization efforts spearheaded by dedicated URCS volunteers and Parish Chiefs. Community outreach programs and local media campaigns played a crucial role in encouraging residents to donate blood, contributing to life-saving medical procedures in local hospitals and clinics.
Speaking on behalf of the URCS Secretary General, Blood Donor Recruitment Manager Sarah Mutegombwa expressed gratitude to the Omukama (King) of Bunyoro Kitara, Solomon Iguru Gafabusa, and the Omugo (Queen) Margaret Karunga for their support in facilitating the drive. She emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation in supporting UBTS’s mandate of ensuring the availability of safe blood for transfusion.
“In 2021, we adopted a strategy of taking blood donation campaigns to communities through cultural institutions. We appreciate Kabumba for being the second cultural leader to endorse this initiative. We encourage more people to donate blood regularly because no machine can manufacture it,” Mutegombwa said.
Masindi District Speaker Moses Kirya also lauded the initiative, stressing the importance of regular blood donation to prevent shortages. However, he raised concerns over reports of some health facilities selling blood to patients, calling for legal action against any health workers involved in such unethical practices.
Bunyoro, like many other regions in Uganda, has struggled with blood shortages, affecting hospitals and emergency care services. The ongoing partnership between URCS, UBTS, and the Omugo Development Foundation aims to secure a steady supply of blood through consistent donor mobilization efforts. With a newly established blood bank in Hoima City, the collected blood will significantly enhance transfusion services in Bunyoro and neighboring districts. This will provide critical support to patients in need, including mothers facing childbirth complications, accident victims, and children suffering from severe anemia.
The success of this blood donation drive highlights the impact of community-driven health initiatives and underscores the importance of sustained collaboration to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system.