Japan’s sh24b equipment boosts regional referral hospitals' diagnostics, treatment capacity

SOROTI - The health ministry has commended the Government of Japan for donating medical equipment worth shillings 24 billion to improve services at the Soroti and Jinja regional referral hospitals.

The donation comes at a time when many government health facilities across the country continue to grapple with inadequate and obsolete equipment, forcing patients to seek expensive treatment in private clinics.

Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, which serves 10 districts and Soroti city, has long faced similar challenges, with limited diagnostic and treatment capacity affecting service delivery.

To address these gaps, the Government of Uganda and the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), signed a grant agreement on March 26, 2024, worth JPY 941 million (approximately shillings 24 billion).

The funding is supporting the “Project for the Improvement of Medical Equipment at Regional Referral Hospitals of Soroti and Jinja.”

The project, conceived in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed the comprehensive JICA Grant Aid Project Cycle, which extended its implementation timeline.

The equipment delivered includes X-ray machines, dental units and dental X-ray machines, autoclaves, anaesthesia machines, ultrasound scanners and a gastroendoscope, among others.

In a speech delivered on ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine's behalf by Dr Joseph Okware during the handover ceremony at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital on February 12, 2026, Atwine said the equipment has significantly enhanced diagnostic and treatment capacity at the two facilities.

“The diagnostic and treatment capacities for Soroti and Jinja hospitals have been improved. Services that have been greatly enhanced include gastroendoscopy, accident and emergency care, ultrasonography and X-ray imaging, orthopaedics and physiotherapy, neonatal intensive care, ophthalmology, ENT and surgery,” she said.

Ambassador Takuya Sasayama waves at the caretakers of patients as he tours the hospital after handing over equipment to the facility's leadership. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Atwine expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for their continued support to Uganda’s health sector.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health and the people of Uganda, I sincerely thank the Government of Japan and its people for their generosity and friendship. JICA has continually supported the health sector, and we are truly grateful,” she noted.

Timely intervention

The leadership of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely intervention.

Dr Joseph Epodoi, a senior consultant surgeon and urologist, who represented hospital director Dr Ben Watmon, said all departments have registered improvement in equipment and inventory.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for recognising the needs and gaps in this hospital. This project is a remedy to the strained service delivery we have been experiencing,” Epodoi said.

He revealed that the donation has enabled the hospital to establish an Accident and Emergency Unit, a service the facility has lacked in its 114-year history.

“It is now our responsibility as management and staff to ensure that the impact of this project is not only felt but clearly seen in the community,” he added.

However, Epodoi appealed to the Government to invest in new infrastructure, noting that the current buildings are dilapidated, limiting privacy, reducing points of care, and affecting service uptake.

“Our prayer is for a new hospital. Our greatest strength is that we have 50 acres of land secured through a partnership with Soroti University for expansion,” he said.

Senior Consultant Surgeon and Urologist Dr Joseph Epodoi interacts with Ambassador Takuya Sasayama after handing over the equipment. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Improving healthcare

JICA Chief Representative Inoue Yoichi said the project aims to strengthen diagnostic and treatment capacities and ultimately improve healthcare quality for the people of eastern Uganda.

“This is not merely the transfer of equipment. It is an investment in better diagnosis, safer treatment, improved patient outcomes, and ultimately in dignity and the future of the people of Uganda,” he said.

Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda Takuya Sasayama reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continued partnership, citing the cordial relations between Uganda and Japan.

He revealed that next week, Japan will sign another agreement with the Ministry of Health to donate 60 ambulances to further strengthen emergency response services.

“Uganda’s health sector faces challenges, but progress has been made. Over the past decade, life expectancy has risen to about 70 years. Longer life expectancy also means we must invest more in healthcare systems,” Ambassador Sasayama said.

He urged medical personnel at Soroti Hospital to safeguard and properly utilise the equipment to benefit thousands of patients.

According to hospital management, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital treats approximately 40,000 patients annually.