Jinja Hospital’s only orthopaedic surgeon seeks sh200m for kidney transplant

Although Dr Jamirah Namusoke, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, has been healing patients for years, fate now dictates that it is her turn to be equally healed.

Namusoke, who is also the head of the regional referral health facility’s orthopaedic department, says she has since 2023 battled with end-stage kidney disease that made her rely on dialysis.

“I currently experience acute chest syndrome with suspected pulmonary embolism. There is a need for blood thinners,” she says.

Prof. Peter Waiswa of Makerere University School of Public Health says Namusoke’s present health status demands a kidney transplant from overseas.

“Already efforts are on to raise US$55,000 (about shillings 200 million) for a kidney transplant in Türkiye (formerly Turkey).  The harambee is on, and we hope that the funds can be raised soon to help save the life of a medic who has saved many other lives,” Waiswa told New Vision Online on January 9, 2026.

Who is Namusoke?

Namusoke became a consultant surgeon in 2018 and subsequently established the first orthopaedic theatre at Jinja Hospital.

“I embarked on demanding our own space in terms of an admission ward as well as a functional surgical theatre. An old building was renovated and furnished as the new orthopaedic theatre,” Namusoke says.

She adds that initially, the orthopaedic patients would share space with inpatients at the male surgical ward.

“The new ward can accommodate 25. Some of the beds have improvisations for holding fractured bones of children,” Namusoke explained.

Since she was the sole surgeon over the years, Namusoke would work long hours to ensure all patients are attended to.

“God gave me the energy to struggle with the heavy schedule each day. I recall leaving Jinja hospital past midnight, including even during the curfew days of the COVID-19 times, with many roadblocks to cross,” she narrated.

Treatment testimonies

Topista Namugaya from Wandago parish in Mayuge district, who was admitted to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for over two weeks recently with a fractured lower limb, testified about the good care.

According to Namugaya, she was initially told to seek medical attention from Kamuli Mission hospital before being referred to the Jinja Hospital orthopaedic department.

“I got healed after implants were inserted by Dr Namusoke through surgery. She is the reason I can stand on my feet again,” she told New Vision Online.

James Luriku, another referral case from Nabuwigulu village, Nabirumba parish of Kamuli district, was not as lucky as his left limb was surgically removed to save his life.

Dr. Jamira Namusoke looks at an X-ray report for a patient at the ward. (Credit: George Bita)

“I am a farmer who used to grow rice in swampy areas. I often walked into marshy areas barefoot, and that is how my leg started swelling, leading to amputation,” Luriku said.

The duo is just a few of the many orthopaedic cases handled at the health facility serving the 11 districts of Busoga and beyond.

Jinja district health officer Dr Dyogo Nantamu says with the numerous crash cases associated with bodaboda, motorists and pedestrians, Namusoke’s contribution cannot be underestimated.

“The hospital records indicate an estimated 30 cases are brought in daily. This must have been really overwhelming for the single surgeon who now also needs healing,” Nantamu said.

What is orthopaedic surgery?

Orthopaedics (also called orthopaedic surgery) is the medical speciality that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal system. This complex system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, allows you to move, work, and be active, according to Orthoinfo.

Orthopaedic surgeons treat problems of the musculoskeletal system, which includes:

• Diagnosis of your injury or disorder

• Treatment with medication, injections, casting, bracing, surgery, or other options

•  Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength, and function

• Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of disease

Seeking support

Dr Suzan Kizala, a medic at the hospital, urged those with any support to come to the aid of the ailing medical consultant so as to help her continue healing numerous others.

According to Kizala, help can be channelled through Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Ltd A/c No: 01513868842700 under the account name of Jamirah Namusoke.

Further details can be obtained from Namusoke (0772460289) or Kizala (0772968584).