RUKUNGIRI | MUSLIMS | DONATE BLOOD 

At least 76 cartons of blood have been collected in Rukungiri during the installation of district Khadi Abdulmalik Kayore Byaruhanga at the Rukungiri Main Mosque.
 
District health officer Dr. Akasima Mucunguzi says there has been a shortage of blood in all health centers IV as well as private hospitals.
 
"Blood cannot be bought anywhere. We rely on Good Samaritans to donate it yet it is essential in medical facilities, especially for expectant mothers who lose blood due to over bleeding and accident victims," he said over the weekend.
 
Mucunguzi praised the Red Cross Society, in conjunction with the Muslim community, for organizing the blood donation drive during this historical event of installation of our new district Khadi.
 
He attributed the shortage of blood in blood banks due to prolonged famine saying it is hard for a hungry person to donate blood.
 
"Factors for the shortage of blood are many, but for now, I can say hunger that hit the whole country and the fact that school children who are the biggest blood donors are now on holiday," Mucunguzi said.
 
Akasiima said blood donation needs organized groups such as schools and other educational institutions.
 
He urged church leaders to preach that gospel of the need for blood so that when Christians come for prayers, they can as well donate it.
 
Rukungiri has two not-for-profit hospitals at Nyakibale and Kisiizi and four health centers IV at Bugangari, Kebisoni, Rwamahwa, and Buhunga that need blood.
 
Akasiima proposed that blood donation drives should be compulsory at all public and private functions 'so that we can get out from this crisis'.