Summary:

• The Ministry of Finance and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a $6.8 million grant agreement to upgrade infrastructure at Soroti and Jinja regional hospitals. Minister Kasaija and JICA’s Chief Representative in Uganda participated. The grant aims to bolster healthcare services by providing essential medical equipment.

The Ministry of Finance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have inked a $6.8 million grant deal aimed at enhancing infrastructure at the Soroti and Jinja regional referral hospitals.

This agreement, sealed on March 26, 2024, saw the participation of Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance; Mr. Inoue Yoichi, Chief Representative of JICA in Uganda; and H.E. Yoshimura Tomotaka, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Uganda.

Minister Kasaija conveyed deep appreciation for the enduring and strong collaboration with the Japanese government, underlining the pivotal role of regional referral hospitals in delivering specialized medical services.

Highlighting the significant strain on Uganda’s healthcare system, Kasaija emphasized, “Our healthcare system faces daunting challenges, with regional referral hospitals bearing a substantial burden.”

Deputy Head of Mission Yoshimura Tomotaka expressed optimism that the grant aid would contribute to Uganda’s healthcare sector goals, saying, “I sincerely hope that this grant aid assists Uganda in achieving its targets in the health sector.”

The grant will furnish medical equipment such as operating tables, surgery lights, ultrasound scanners, and anesthesia, enhancing the diagnostic and treatment capacities of the two regional referral hospitals.