“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 over. Their role is to collect and donate it, then hand it to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. The issue of selling blood is for the Government to investigate and find out who is responsible.

He encouraged members not to get tired of donating and collecting blood, but condemned those who disregard human life by selling blood that was meant to be free, leaving patients helpless.

On starting income-generating projects, Luganda explained that Red Cross’s traditional model is to get funding when disasters occur, such as floods, disease outbreaks, wars, etc., through which they get support to respond. They cannot just start businesses.

John Bosco Mayinja handed over office and thanked colleagues for supporting voluntary work without counting the cost. During his term:

Recruited 1,658 new members, making Kawempe North the second largest out of 51 branches countrywide.

Bought 1 motorcycle and 6 bicycles to help in emergency response. Collected 30,000 units of blood. Trained 276 members in first aid.

Trained 654 bodaboda riders on road conduct and first aid.

Challenges faced: Limited funds, minor disagreements among members, and fatigue, especially during the Kiteezi landfill collapse and the Ebola outbreak, plus other minor incidents.

He urged his successor to take volunteer responsibility forward and work to save people who need urgent help.

The election was presided over by Geofrey Bwakabale, in charge of elections in Kawempe. Alex Luganda became the new chairperson, deputized by Haji Ntege Muguluma, along with other leaders.

The assembly was attended by Kampala Manager Andrew Odongo and Red Cross staff head Orwin Tumuhume, among others.