A life-threatening accident on the River Nile in Uganda became the catalyst for UK property investor Samuel Leeds to fund and build a 64-bed hospital ward in Jinja.
Leeds’ harrowing experience began when he fell down a waterfall, landing on the rocks below.
Left severely injured and unable to return home, Leeds was rescued by Dr. Jamela, one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the area at the time of the accident. Her prompt medical intervention saved his life.
While recovering in the hospital for 10 days, Leeds witnessed firsthand the dire conditions at the facility, including a lack of space and orthopedic care.
Motivated by his experience and the shortage of medical services, Leeds decided to fund the construction of a new hospital ward equipped with doctors, nurses, and resident surgeons. Dr. Jamela, the surgeon who saved his life, now oversees the team of surgeons working in the ward.
“So many people said it wouldn’t be possible, that the government wouldn’t allow me to build it, or that it would take years and cost billions,” Leeds remarked.
“But they didn’t realize that I am not only a billionaire in Uganda, but also an experienced property developer.” Defying the skeptics, Leeds completed the project in just seven months, at a cost of over one billion Ugandan shillings (approximately £300,000) the same price as a Lamborghini.
Leeds reflected on his journey, emphasising the importance of using wealth to give back. “I am a huge advocate for making money, but only when you remember the dark places you came from and use your money to help others. God put me in that pit for a reason, and what the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good.”
In addition to his work in healthcare, Leeds is also making strides in education in Uganda. The Samuel Leeds School has opened its doors with over 400 students registered.
Unlike other schools, this private institution offers financial literacy courses alongside core subjects a personal mission for Leeds, who recalls being told he was “stupid” in school and never learning about business or finance.
“We are not only building schools that provide this education, but we are also working with the Ugandan government to improve the curriculum within state schools,” Leeds explained. His next project is a Centre of Excellence, which will provide online courses and remote training for both students and teachers. Leeds has pledged to the Ministry of Education that he will build the centre, volunteer his time to teach, and provide computers.
This initiative, Leeds hopes, will revolutionise education in Uganda and potentially serve as a model for the UK. “Once people see that the right education is the future of prosperity, I pray the UK will follow and allow me to offer my voluntary services to bring financial literacy across the country.”
Samuel Leeds’ contributions to healthcare and education in Uganda are set to leave a lasting legacy, one that will continue to impact generations to come.
