The new orthopedic ward, valued at 1 billion shillings, was funded by the Samuel Leeds Foundation. Samuel Leeds, a tourist from the UK, decided to finance the construction after receiving successful treatment at Jinja Hospital following a horrific water rafting accident during one of his visits to Uganda in July 2019.

He was badly injured, losing 25% of his blood and had to have emergency surgery to save his knee that had been shattered on a rock when landing after his 20ft fall in the water. ​

Dr Jamirah Namusoke was the orthopaedic surgeon who undertook the successful operation on Samuel. Whilst in hospital for 10 days following his operation, Samuel saw many people who were in desperate need of treatment. This was heart wrenching for him and he felt he wanted to do what he could do for these people.

Accompanied by a group of twenty others, Samuel Leeds thanked the hospital and specifically  Dr Jamirah for treating him and promised further funding to build an additional two stories on top of the existing building; however, this would only happen if the hospital or Ministry of Health furnished the building with the required equipment and facilities.

Samuel Leeds (C), Hospital Director Dr Yayi Alfred (L) and staff of Orthopedic unit pose for a photo.

The guest of honor was The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga who urged the government to ensure equity in its planning and distribution of services across the country.

The Director Curative Services in the Ministry of Health Dr Charles Olaro represented the Minister of Health Dr Jane Aceng Ocero, the Permanet Secretary Dr Atwine Diana and pledged to concerns to Ministry of Health top management.

Dr. Yayi Alfred, the Hospital Director, in his address stated that on 15^th November 2022, Samuel Leeds Foundation a UK based charity organization communicated their support to construct an Orthopedic ward for Jinja RRH. After signing the  Memorandum of Understanding on 28^th August 2023, ground breaking took place on 6^th October 2023. After 1 year the project is being concluded.

He thanked Samuel Leeds for his contribution and asked for more, stressing the immense demands.

Dr. Alfred Yayi highlighted success examples, such as how specialist clinics and health camps have given over 4.5 million individuals better access to specialized health care.

In order to assist with disease surveillance and response activities in the area, he said, the Busoga Regional Emergency Operations Center was also established approximately a month ago.

Present among were Eng. George Otim, Commissioner Health Infrastructure in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Baliyaino Richard Gulume – Resident City Commissioner – Jinja City, Ms. Fazira Kauma – Deputy Mayor Jinja City, Hon. Batuwa Timothy – Member of Parliament Jinja Southern west, Mr. Moses Kyangwa – CEO Busoga Health Forum, Dr Mukisa Charles David – Chairperson Hospital Management Board, members of Hospital Management Board, members of Top Management Jinja RRH, Head of Departments Jinja RRH, Head of Units Jinja RRH, Staff of Orthopedic Unit.