Rotarians build blood bank at Mengo Hospital

PIC: Rotary International president John F. Germ and Prime Minister Dr Ruhakan Rugunda inspected the new facility, flanked by Dan Senkatuka, who was part of the project. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

A blood bank build by Rotarians has been officially opened at Mengo Hospital in Kampala.

It is understood to be Uganda's first privately-owned blood bank.

Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and the president of Rotary International John F. Germ commissioned the new building on Monday.

Rugunda thanked the Rotarians within and beyond Uganda for joining hands to put up the blood bank, saying many more lives will be saved as a result.

He said because the government cannot do things alone and therefore needed the private sector to support such initiatives.

The opening function was attended by Rotarians, politicians, private sector individuals, Mengo Hospital medical staff and others.

Rotary International president John F. Germ was welcomed by, from right, health minister Jane Ruth Aceng, state minister for  primary healthcare Sarah Opendi and the chairman of the Mengo blood bank project Emmanuel Katongole. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

The Speaker of Buganda Kingdom  Nelson Kawalya shared a seemingly light moment with the State minister for Works Gen Katumba Wamala during the function. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

The chairman of the blood bank project Emmanuel Katongole received a cheque of $10, 0000 from Rotary International president John Germ towards the facility. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

Former Mukono Diocese Bishop Paul Luzinda, Assistant Bishop Hannington Mutebi and the chairperson of the construction of the new blood bank interacted. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)