“We Donate blood for Free, They Sell for Profit”: Red Cross Kawempe North Petitions Government.
By Peter Ssuuna Walton Members of the Red Cross Kawempe North branch have expressed frustration over the sale of blood in hospitals, yet they collect it voluntarily to save patients. They are asking the Government to intervene. From 2022 to 2026, the branch collected 30,000 units of blood through voluntary donations. Members say that when they go to hospitals, the same blood is sold to patients. One member, Ssanya, tabled a motion saying this practice discourages volunteers who collect and donate blood for free with the goal of saving lives, only for it to be sold at high prices in hospitals. They asked the Government to track down those who have made it a habit to sell blood to patients. The members also want their branch to start income-generating projects like poultry farming, liquid soap making, and others, instead of only relying on aid during disasters. The newly elected chairperson, Alex Luganda , said that the Red Cross has no control over blood once it is handed...