Japan boosts Jinja Regional Referral Hospital with sh10b medical equipment

JINJA - In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Busoga region, the Government of Japan has handed over state-of-the-art medical equipment worth shillings 10 billion ($2.8 million) to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH).

The colourful commissioning ceremony on February 13, 2026, at the hospital grounds, marks the completion of a major phase of the Project for the Improvement of Medical Equipment at Regional Referral Hospitals, funded through the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).

Medical upgrade

According to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital director Dr Alfred Yayi, the donation comprises 641 pieces of equipment distributed across the hospital’s main campus and the Nalufenya Children’s Ward.

The upgrade targets critical departments that have long struggled with obsolete tools, including getting a new digital X-ray machine, four ultrasound machines, and a gastro-endoscopy machine under Diagnostics; getting five anaesthesia machines for the hospital’s five theatres, operating tables, and electro-surgical units for Surgical services; getting new dental chairs, ENT equipment, and 20 patient monitors under Specialized care; and 17 oxygen concentrators and mortuary refrigerators for Infrastructure support.
Yayi said the equipment has already begun transforming patient care.

"Referrals for specialised diagnosis have been reduced. We can now perform procedures like endoscopy right here instead of sending patients away," Dr. Yayi said, adding that staff morale has surged due to having the tools of the trade.

He emphasised the project’s systemic impact: “The strengthening of our core capabilities instils better confidence and certainty in the entire referral chain for lower-level health facilities across Busoga.”

Beyond the physical equipment, Yayi said the project ensures long-term sustainability through extensive training for healthcare workers in operation and maintenance.

For patients, he adds that this translates to life-altering access to specialised treatments locally, saving families the immense financial and physical burden of seeking care far from home.

Strengthening the Japan-Uganda partnership

Ambassador of Japan to Uganda Sasayama Takuya emphasised that the investment is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Drawing a poignant parallel to Japan’s own aging population, Sasayama urged health workers to utilise the tools to extend life expectancy in Uganda.

"My Prime Minister’s motto—Sanae Takaichi, is to work hard, work hard, work hard. You have the tools now; please use them to serve the people," the Ambassador remarked.
JICA Uganda chief representative Inoue Yoichi highlighted that the project—totalling 941 million Japanese Yen (approx. Shillings 24 billion) across both Jinja and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals—is an investment in the dignity and future of Ugandans.

Some of the health workers at the hand over event of medical equipment worth sh10 billion to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital on Friday February 13th. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Yoichi said that the project, born from a detailed needs assessment by the Ministry of Health, hospital staff, and JICA, has equipped key departments with essential technology.

Inoue noted that the investment is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving the dignity of patients in Eastern Uganda.

The newly installed equipment is expected to energize healthcare service delivery by: Enhancing accuracy in diagnosis and monitoring; Improving the safety and effectiveness of surgical and anesthetic procedures; Increasing the capacity of the hospitals to manage complex cases; and Ultimately, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction in the catchment areas of Soroti and Jinja Regional Referral Hospitals.

Calls for infrastructure and power

While celebrating the donation, local leaders highlighted the pressure on the nearly century-old facility. Founded in 1930, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital serves a catchment area of 4.6 million people across 11 districts and one city in Busoga.

Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Richard Gulume and Yayi appealed to the Government and partners for new multi-story buildings to maximise the hospital's limited land; and Upgrading the paediatric wing into an autonomous, specialised children's hospital.

Representing health ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwiine, Health Services director Dr Joseph Okware commended Japan's consistency, noting that the partnership has moved beyond equipment to include long-term maintenance training and patient safety programmes.

Okware praised Japan’s long-standing friendship and also noted that while Jinja is the second-largest city in Uganda, its infrastructure has been under immense pressure.

National Resistance Movement party vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu urged the Government to complement Japan’s generosity by providing a dedicated power line to the two hospitals and funding vertical infrastructure developments to accommodate the growing population. 

“A dedicated power line at both hospitals will prevent damage to the sensitive new equipment caused by frequent outages,” Echodu noted.

He further promised to raise the infrastructure needs of the two hospitals before cabinet, noting that many structures are dilapidated and require a facelift and expansion. 

The event concluded with a ceremonial tour of various health departments at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and the Nalufenya Children’s ward.