Mugabe R
On Thursday, January 18, 2024, the Uganda Blood Bank Rukungiri Branch collaborated with the Lions Club of Rukungiri District 411B to conduct a successful blood donation camp at Ntungamo stage in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
During the two-day free health camp organized by the Lions Club of Rukungiri, which commenced on Thursday at Ntungamo stage and is set to conclude on Friday at Rukungiri Bus Park, a total of 70 units of blood were harvested. The primary objective of the camp was to support the Blood Bank in its efforts to mobilize blood donations.
In addition to the blood donation drive, the Lions Club provided valuable healthcare services. Sixty individuals benefited from free eye screening services and received glasses, while 120 people underwent free comprehensive screening for diabetes, hypertension, and HIV/AIDS, including testing and counseling.
Emmanuel Mugarura, the Manager of the Uganda Blood Bank Rukungiri Branch, expressed appreciation for the Lions Club of Rukungiri’s commitment to community well-being. He highlighted the scarcity of blood, partly attributed to the holiday period when student donations decrease, emphasizing the vulnerability of women and children to blood shortages.
Byarugaba Conerius, the President of the Lions Club of Rukungiri, explained that the decision to initiate the free medical camp was driven by the need to mobilize blood donations, especially for women and children facing blood shortages. He commended the health workers at Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital for their strong support and announced the donation of testing kits and 50 glucometers for diabetes measurement to local health facilities.
Katushabe Mercy, a teacher at Immaculate Heart Girls’ Nyakibale, expressed gratitude for her first blood donation and dispelled myths about challenges associated with donating blood. She pledged to continue donating blood with the goal of saving lives.
Patel Morrison, an employee of Savanna Buses company, shared that he had donated blood over 10 times and expressed joy at contributing to saving lives, particularly for accident victims encountered in the transport business.
