The newly established Shs 4 billion Hoima Regional Blood Bank has begun accepting walk-in blood donations.
Located in Kasingo, Hoima City, the facility aims to collect 100 units of blood each month to help alleviate the ongoing blood shortage in the Bunyoro sub-region.
Previously, blood collected in the area had to be transported to Nakasero Blood Bank for testing, leading to delays that caused the loss of lives, including those of expectant mothers and accident victims.
To address these challenges, the government constructed the blood bank, which was completed in 2023, at a cost of Shs 4 billion.
Now that the facility is equipped and staff quarters are nearly finished, walk-in blood donations are being encouraged.
Benda, the leader of the Hoima Blood Distribution and Collection Centre, urged the community to visit the bank and donate blood, with the goal of reaching 100 units per month. He noted that the blood bank aims to reduce dependence on donation drives.
Badru Mugabi, the Hoima Resident City Commissioner, appealed to the people of Hoima and the wider Bunyoro sub-region to donate blood, emphasizing the importance of saving lives within the community.
The blood bank will be officially launched once the final equipment installations are completed.