Japanese Ambassador Praises Solar-Powered Kyabirwa Surgical Center in Jinja as Model for Africa

Ambassador Sasayama’s visit, hosted by the Center’s Executive Director, Ms. Anna Kalumuna, included a comprehensive inspection of the operating theatres, advanced laboratory, and patient recovery wards. The tour highlighted a successful existing partnership: a donation of specialised medical equipment from Olympus Corporation, a global Japanese leader in optical and digital precision technology.

“I am grateful and proud of Olympus Corporation,” Ambassador Sasayama stated. “Their donated equipment is now being used to provide quality and affordable healthcare to the local community and the nation. I hope this will serve as a good model for Uganda and the entire region.”

The Ambassador’s commitment extended beyond praise. He vowed to actively encourage more Japanese companies to invest in Uganda, specifically naming initiatives like KSC that deliver measurable community impact.

“The Ambassador appreciated the cordial gesture and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in attracting more Japanese companies to invest in Uganda, especially to support initiatives like Kyabirwa Surgical Center that are greatly impacting communities,” a readout from the meeting confirmed.

Ms. Kalumuna expressed profound gratitude for the Olympus donation, linking it directly to the Center’s mission of affordability.

“Because of the support from the Mount Sinai Health System in New York and organisations like Olympus, which donate equipment, we can provide affordable, high-quality medical services at a very minimal cost to the community,” Kalumuna said.

She also thanked the Government of Japan for its longstanding collaboration with Uganda in critical sectors like health and infrastructure.

Founded in 2019 by members of the Mount Sinai Health System, KSC is a unique not-for-profit facility. It is entirely powered by renewable solar energy and features green architecture, making it a rare example of environmentally conscious healthcare delivery in the region.

The Ambassador’s endorsement marks a significant moment for the Center, positioning it not just as a medical facility, but as a proof-of-concept for sustainable, internationally-supported healthcare investment in East Africa.

ABOUT KYABIRWA SURGICAL CENTER
Kyabirwa Surgical Center is a not-for-profit facility and the flagship of Global Surgical Initiatives Inc. It provides quality outpatient surgical, laboratory, and radiology services. Its innovative model makes specialised care accessible and affordable, powered entirely by renewable energy. For more information, visit www.kyabirwasc.org.