Uganda Mourns First Female Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Jamirah Namusoke

The medical fraternity in Uganda is in deep mourning following the death of Dr Jamirah Namusoke, the country’s first female orthopaedic surgeon. Management at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where she served as a consultant surgeon, announced her passing on Friday after a prolonged battle with kidney disease.

Her death comes roughly ten months after friends, colleagues, and well-wishers launched public fundraising campaigns to collect Shs200 million for a necessary kidney transplant abroad. Throughout her career, Dr Namusoke broke significant barriers in a male-dominated surgical field, dedicating her life to patient care and mentoring younger medical professionals.

Hospital officials remembered her as an exceptional life-saver whose contributions left an indelible mark. Among her notable achievements was her role in treating British tourist Samuel Leeds, who suffered severe injuries during an accident on the River Nile. Impressed by the dedication of the medical team, Mr Leeds later funded the construction of an orthopaedic ward at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital that now bears his name.

Dr Frank Asiimwe, President of the Uganda Medical Association, acknowledged the profound loss to the nation’s healthcare system. Dr Namusoke’s legacy extends far beyond the operating room, reaching into the countless medical students she taught at Jinja and Kampala International University.

Read the full report on the Daily Monitor.