By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
The Mbale Blood Bank has established additional groups in different sub-regions which have boosted blood collection efforts.
Previously, the blood bank relied on only 4 groups that collected blood from regions such as Teso, Karamoja, Bugisu, Bukedi, and Sebei which has been affecting the collection of blood.
They have been collecting less than 500 units of blood but currently they have collected over 2000 units of blood which has served all health facilities both private and public across the eastern region.
Speaking to the media at a press conference held at the Mbale Regional Blood Bank headquarters on Thursday, 4th December, 2025, Ahmed Bumba, the Regional Director, stated that two more groups have been created, bringing the total to seven groups.
He says these groups will target various locations, including schools, campaign rallies, and churches, to collect blood from donors.
Bumba noted that this expansion has led to a significant increase in blood collection, enabling the blood bank to supply blood to health facilities and hospitals in the Busoga region.
He acknowledged the benefits of having a steady blood supply, citing a decrease in patient congestion at Mbale Referral Hospital.
According to Bumba, in the 2024/25 financial year, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital admitted 3,480 women from various areas in the eastern region for blood transfusions. However, this number decreased to 1,996 in the 2025/26 financial year due to the improved blood supply.
Stephen Obbo, Director of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, confirmed that the recent arrests of staff members by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit have led to a reduction in extortion of money by health workers before offering blood transfusions.
He urged the public to report any health workers who demand payment for blood transfusions, which are supposed to be free.
