The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division has partnered with the Moroto Blood Bank to conduct a massive blood donation drive to save lives in the Karamoja sub-region.
The one-day exercise targeted chronic blood shortages that frequently hamper medical operations in the region’s health facilities. Second Lieutenant Lambert Ojala, the Acting Division Medical Officer, noted that the Moroto Blood Bank currently supports 10 different transfusion centers. He revealed that the Moroto Sector Field Hospital treats an average of five emergency patients monthly in its maternity and pediatric wards. These departments, alongside accident response units, rely heavily on urgent blood transfusions to prevent fatalities.
“The Moroto Blood Bank supports 10 transfusion facilities, making consistent collection critical to meeting demand,” Second Lieutenant Ojala stated.
He encouraged soldiers to view blood donation as a regular responsibility rather than a one-off event. The medical officer explained that donors receive free screenings for HIV and syphilis during the process. Participants also learn their blood groups, which provides them with vital information for their own future medical needs.
Ms. Sofia Nakwashi, a nursing officer and team leader from Moroto Blood Bank, explained that the facility serves all nine districts of Karamoja. She expressed concern over local myths and misinformation that discourage some community members from donating. The blood bank often experiences a sharp decline in stocks during school holidays when student donors are away.
“The challenge is more pronounced during school holidays, when donations tend to decline significantly,” Ms. Nakwashi noted.
To counter these shortages, the blood bank is now using radio programs and community outreach to educate the public. The military drive successfully drew in first-time donors, including Staff Sergeant Char Dan. He admitted that the experience helped him overcome his personal fear of needles. Senior officers, including Commanding Officer 3CIT Maj Apollo Tushabe and Commanding Officer 99 Battalion Maj Mugenyi, led by example by participating in the drive.
