Uganda is on the verge of a major milestone in its health sector as it prepares to officially commission the newly constructed Hoima Regional Blood Bank, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to significantly improve access to safe blood and blood products in the country.
The new blood bank, located in western Uganda, has already completed installation of all essential medical and laboratory equipment and is fully capable of collecting, processing, testing, and storing blood and its components, according to Gilbert Sunday Abwooli, the project coordinator overseeing the initiative.
“We are now able to process all blood and its products at the Hoima facility,” Abwooli confirmed, signalling a crucial leap forward in decentralising Uganda’s blood services and strengthening emergency response systems.
Until now, western Uganda has relied heavily on blood supply from distant regional facilities, often leading to delays in emergency responses, increased maternal mortality, and struggles in managing trauma and surgery cases that require timely blood transfusions.
With the launch of the Hoima facility, Uganda is:
Reducing pressure on the national blood bank in Nakasero, Kampala
Shortening turnaround times for blood delivery in western districts
Enhancing emergency readiness for hospitals across the region
Improving outcomes for mothers, accident victims, and patients with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease
The Hoima blood bank is a key addition to Uganda’s growing network of regional blood services. It joins other centers in Mbale, Gulu, Arua, and Fort Portal in providing life-saving blood products closer to where people need them.
Uganda’s national blood supply remains under strain due to population growth, increased demand, and seasonal shortfalls in blood donations. The commissioning of another modern facility is expected to:
Increase national capacity to meet WHO standards of at least 1% blood collection per population annually
Improve inventory management and distribution of blood products
Serve both public and private health facilities in the region
The commissioning of the Hoima facility is not just a regional win—it’s a national health milestone. It signals Uganda’s growing commitment to strengthening its health infrastructure, decentralising critical services, and saving lives through improved access to safe blood.
As maternal and child health remain national priorities, and with the country battling increasing road traffic accidents and non-communicable diseases, the ability to provide timely and adequate blood supplies becomes a public health imperative.
“Blood is not just a commodity—it’s life. Having a fully functional regional blood bank in Hoima means fewer lives lost due to delays and shortages,” said a Gilbert Abwooli
