Despite her contribution to saving and improving the lives of others, Namusoke’s own health deteriorated as she battled end-stage kidney disease, which required regular dialysis.
Uganda’s medical fraternity is mourning the death of Dr Jamirah Namusoke, the country’s first female orthopaedic surgeon, who dedicated her career to saving lives and transforming specialised medical care but eventually succumbed to end-stage kidney disease.
Namusoke died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a prolonged battle with the illness. She was laid to rest the same day at Kasolo in Iganga District.
Her death comes after years of service in which she helped improve orthopaedic care at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where she headed the department and played a leading role in establishing a dedicated operating theatre and ward.
She also helped develop the department into a training centre for postgraduate medical students, mentoring young doctors and encouraging women to pursue careers in surgery.
In a tribute, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital described her as more than a surgeon, remembering her as a lifesaver whose skill, dedication and compassion had left an enduring mark on patients and colleagues.
One of the defining moments of her career involved British tourist Samuel Leeds, who sustained a severe knee injury in a rafting accident on the River Nile.
Namusoke performed an emergency operation that saved his injured knee. In appreciation, Leeds later supported the construction of a 64-bed orthopaedic ward at the hospital through his foundation.
The Sh1 billion facility, named the Samuel Leeds Ward, was officially opened in October 2024 and continues to benefit patients requiring specialised orthopaedic treatment.
Despite her contribution to saving and improving the lives of others, Namusoke’s own health deteriorated as she battled end-stage kidney disease, which required regular dialysis.
By early 2026, her condition had worsened, with reports of acute chest syndrome, suspected pulmonary embolism and fractures to her pelvis and femur.
Doctors recommended an urgent kidney transplant abroad, with the procedure and related treatment estimated to cost about $55,000 (approximately Sh200 million).
Her colleagues, friends and well-wishers, including Prof Peter Waiswa of Makerere University’s School of Public Health, appealed to the public to contribute towards raising the money for her treatment in Türkiye.
However, despite the fundraising efforts, the pioneering surgeon died before receiving the anticipated transplant.
A journey of service
Namusoke began her career in 1995 as a dispenser at Entebbe Grade A Hospital before pursuing medical studies at Makerere University, where she graduated in 2004.
She later worked as a medical officer at Kibuli Hospital before specialising in orthopaedic surgery, obtaining a Master of Medicine degree in 2013.
In 2016, she joined Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where she made significant contributions to the development of orthopaedic services.
She also lectured at Kampala International University, using her professional experience to mentor medical students and inspire young women to venture into surgery.
Her educational journey began at Bukoyo Primary School in Iganga District before proceeding to Tororo Girls’ School and Nabisunsa Girls’ School.
Namusoke, a wife and mother, is remembered by colleagues and members of the public as a trailblazer whose achievements opened doors for women in Uganda’s medical profession.
Jinja Regional Referral Hospital said her legacy would endure through the patients she treated, the medical professionals she mentored and the specialised services she helped establish.
