Photo Attributions

General Project Information

Architectural Credit:

GKG 

Location: Jinja, Kyabirwa, Uganda
Project Substantial Completion Date: 3/15/2025
Program type(s): Health Care – Clinic, Health Care - Hospital Inpatient, Health Care - Medical Office, Health Care - Outpatient – General, Laboratory - recommend use of Labs21, Lodging - Residence Hall/Dormitory, Service (vehicle repair/service, postal service)
Total Site Area (gross sq. ft): 161459
Total Building Area (gross sq. ft): 30000
Project substantial completion date: 3/15/2025
Climate zone: IECC climate zone for Jinja, Uganda: Tropical
Project site: Greenfield (previously undeveloped land)
Project team: Architect: GKG
Associate Architect: Selemani Construction
Consultant: Selemani Construction
Engineer - Civil: Selemani Construction
Engineer - MEP: Selemani Construction
Engineer - Structural: Selemani Construction
General Contractor: Selemani Construction
Landscape Architect: Selemani Construction

Project Overview:
The Kyabirwa Surgical Center Campus, located near Uganda’s White Nile River, is a pioneering rural healthcare facility designed for surgical care, diagnostics, and staff accommodation. Built entirely with local materials and labor, it integrates passive design strategies, solar power, and rainwater harvesting to operate off-grid. The campus includes operating theaters, wards, doctor housing, public amenities, and community spaces. It reimagines surgical infrastructure in resource-constrained settings by prioritizing dignity, efficiency, and resilience, while anchoring itself in local culture and craftsmanship. This model offers a replicable and sustainable healthcare solution for rural communities across the Global South.

Submission portfolio