On 26th February 2026, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, partnership, and people-centered care by hosting a vibrant Community Health Baraza at Kazimingi premises in Jinja City. The well-attended forum brought together community leaders, local government representatives, civil society organizations, health workers, patient representatives, and members of the general public in an open dialogue aimed at strengthening service delivery and mutual accountability.

The Baraza was led by members of the Hospital Board and presided over by the Hospital Director, Dr. Yayi Alfred, who emphasized the importance of engaging communities as active partners in health care. In his opening remarks, Dr. Yayi highlighted that a Community Health Baraza is not merely a meeting, but a powerful platform for transparency, feedback, and shared responsibility.

He noted that Jinja Regional Referral Hospital serves a wide catchment area covering Busoga and neighboring regions, handling complex referrals, specialized services, and emergency cases. Given this critical role, the hospital leadership recognized the need to continuously listen to the voices of the people it serves. “Accountability is strengthened when we sit together, listen to each other, and jointly find solutions,” he stated.

During the Baraza, the Hospital Management team presented a comprehensive performance update covering key service areas including outpatient and inpatient services, maternal and child health, surgical services, laboratory diagnostics, and the introduction of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. Participants were informed about ongoing infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades, and ICT enhancements aimed at improving efficiency and reducing patient waiting time.

The Hospital Board Chairperson, Dr. Mukisa David underscored the Board’s oversight role in ensuring quality service delivery, prudent utilization of government resources, and adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines. Board members reiterated their commitment to supporting management in addressing systemic challenges while promoting integrity and ethical conduct among staff.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to community feedback. Participants raised concerns related to congestion in some departments, occasional drug stock-outs, staff attitudes, and patient navigation challenges within the hospital. In response, hospital leadership provided clarifications, explained resource constraints, and outlined practical steps being taken to address the issues, including improved triage systems, strengthened supervision, and enhanced coordination with National Medical Stores.

The Baraza also showcased success stories, including improvements in maternal health outcomes, expansion of specialized clinics, strengthened infection prevention and control measures, and ongoing digital transformation initiatives. Community members applauded the hospital for its responsiveness during emergencies and its role as a teaching and training center for health professionals.

Local leaders commended the hospital for embracing dialogue and encouraged continued community sensitization on appropriate referral pathways and preventive health practices. Civil society representatives pledged to support health promotion activities and community mobilization efforts.

The event reinforced the principle of people-centered care—where patients and communities are not passive recipients of services, but informed stakeholders whose views shape policy and practice. Through open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared accountability, the Baraza strengthened trust between the hospital and the community.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Yayi Alfred reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration. He called upon all stakeholders to work together in promoting healthy behaviors, safeguarding public resources, and supporting health workers in delivering quality services.

The Community Health Baraza concluded with a renewed spirit of partnership and a shared resolve to build a responsive, accountable, and patient-focused health system. By opening its doors to public dialogue, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital demonstrated that sustainable health service delivery thrives where leadership, community engagement, and accountability converge.