In an extraordinary tale of disaster-turned donation, UK’s Samuel Leeds has transformed the healthcare landscape in Uganda’s Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
Leeds’ journey began as a tourist in 2018, seeking adventure in the Pearl of Africa.
While rafting on the River Nile, Leeds’ boat hit a rock and capsized, leaving him critically injured. Unable to fly back to the UK, he entrusted his life to Dr. Jamila Namukose, then a junior surgeon at the poorly equipped small orthopaedic ward.
Despite the odds, Dr. Namukose performed a successful surgery, astonishing Leeds and later, UK medical experts. Upon returning home, Leeds underwent assessments, confirming the exceptional quality of Dr. Namukose’s work.
Leeds returned to Uganda to thank Dr. Namukose, inquiring how he could repay her selflessness. Characteristically humble, Dr. Namukose requested equipment for the hospital’s orthopaedic ward, not personal favours.
This chance encounter sparked the creation of the state-of-the-art Samuel Leeds Orthopaedic Ward.
Leeds, through his Samuel Leeds Foundation, donated UGX 1 billion (approximately £220,000) to establish the facility, revolutionizing orthopaedic care in the region.
Colleagues and patients led by the JRRH Director Dr Alfred Yayi describe Dr. Namukose, now a consultant, as an exceptional healthcare professional, is renowned for her skill and compassion.
“…Dr. Namukose embodies the values of our profession, ethical, God-fearing, dedicated, and yet humble. Her selflessness inspired Samuel Leeds’ generosity…” said Hospital Director Dr. Yayi Alfred.
The Samuel Leeds Orthopaedic Ward serves as a testament to the transformative power of gratitude and kindness. Leeds’ donation has improved healthcare outcomes for thousands, cementing his connection to Uganda.
“…I’m humbled by Dr. Namukose’s expertise and the hospital’s dedication. I’m proud to contribute to Uganda’s healthcare…,” Leeds, who was accompanied by a delegation of 20 people including Benjamin Asiimwe,the Uganda Country Director Samuel Leeds Foundation said.
The Samuel Leeds Orthopaedic Ward sets a precedent for public-private partnerships in Uganda’s healthcare sector. According to health experts, this remarkable story highlights the impact of individual generosity and medical excellence.
The Dr Alfred-led JRRH top management now has to work closely with the Ministry of Health, headed by the Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Diana Atwine and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero the minister.
A Brief About Dr Jamila Namusoke:
Dr Jamila Namusoke is Uganda’s first female orthopaedic surgeon who started her career as a qualified dispenser in 1995 at Entebbe Grade A Hospital, where she was later confirmed in public service.
From 1999-2004, Dr Jamila Namusoke went to study medicine and was posted to Kibuli Hospital as a medical officer under the Private-Not-For –Profit (PNFP)from 2007 to 2008 when she again went for further studies emerging with Master of Medicine in orthopedic Surgery(MMed).
Since 2016, she has been at the Orthopaedic Department at the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, which has grown to teaching masters students in orthopaedics.
She also lectures at Kampala International University, where she has inspired many young females to join the profession.
Happily married with children, Dr Jamila Namusoke traces her education to Muslim-founded Bukoyo Primary School in Iganga before going to the popular Tororo and Nabisunsa Girls schools for her UCE and UACE levels respectively.
The Samuel Leeds Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Samuel Leeds, a British entrepreneur, property investor, and philanthropist. Here’s what I found:
About Samuel Leeds:
Samuel Leeds is a successful property investor, author, and educator who has built a business empire through real estate investments. He is also a motivational speaker and has written books on property investment and wealth creation.
The Samuel Leeds Foundation:
The Samuel Leeds Foundation is a charitable organization established by Samuel Leeds to support various social causes.
The foundation’s mission is to: provide education and skills training to disadvantaged individuals, support community development projects, and promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The foundation focuses on: education: providing scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources, community development by supporting local initiatives, food banks, and homeless shelters and offering training, funding, and business support.
The Samuel Leeds Foundation engages in various activities, including: charity events and fundraising campaigns, partnerships with other organizations to amplify impact and grant-making to support community projects.
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