Community Empowerment: Ruhindi Commends Graphics Systems Uganda Ltd for Shs100m Ventilator Donation to Luzira Prisons Hospital

KAMPALA, Uganda — Nakawa East Member of Parliament Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi has commended Graphics Systems Uganda Limited for donating a ventilator (life-support machine) valued at more than Shs100 million to Uganda Prisons Health Centre IV in Luzira, describing the contribution as a significant boost to healthcare delivery and an example of responsible corporate citizenship.

Nakawa East MP Hon Frederick Ruhindi (L) with the Directors of Graphics Systems Uganda Limited at the function 

The donation was handed over on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a function hosted by Graphics Systems Limited at its premises in Luzira Parish, Kampala, in fulfilment of the company's corporate social responsibility commitment.

The ventilator, which the company purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic but did not put to use, was donated while still brand new to support the medical services offered at the Uganda Prisons health facility.

The ceremony was attended by Hon. Ruhindi, local leaders from the area and senior officials of the Uganda Prisons Service. Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, was the chief guest and received the equipment on behalf of the prisons health facility.

Ruhindi expressed gratitude to the company's management for the donation, noting that such contributions are important in strengthening healthcare facilities and addressing some of the challenges facing public health institutions in Uganda.

“We certainly thank Graphics Systems Uganda Limited so much for that donation to Prisons Health Centre IV. The ventilator (life-support machine) is quite expensive, costing over Shs100 million,” Ruhindi said.

He observed that partnerships between private companies and public institutions can help bridge gaps in essential medical equipment, particularly at a time when government hospitals continue to face resource constraints. 

Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi (R), Dr. Johnson Byabashaija Commissioner General Prisons(2R) and other leaders touring Graphics Systems Uganda Limited  premises in Luzira Parish 

Ruhindi commends Graphics Systems' growth and regional reach 

Before the handover ceremony, Ruhindi and other leaders toured Graphics Systems Uganda Limited's manufacturing facilities in Luzira, where they witnessed the company's expanded operations and production capacity.

Ruhindi, who said he was serving as Corporation Secretary at the Uganda Investment Authority when the company was registered in 1995, recalled its early years and commended its progress over the decades.

He noted that the company had grown into a significant manufacturer serving both the Ugandan market and customers across the East African region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

According to Ruhindi, Tanzania accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the company's manufactured labels, an indication of its growing regional market reach.

He said the company's expansion demonstrated the potential of Ugandan-based businesses to compete beyond the domestic market, generate economic opportunities and contribute to regional trade.

Ruhindi urged the government and other stakeholders to continue supporting investors whose businesses create value and expand Uganda's industrial capacity. 

Political stability key to attracting investment

Ruhindi also used the occasion to highlight the importance of peace and political stability in creating a favourable environment for business growth and investment.

Reflecting on Uganda's political history, he recalled the series of changes in government, military takeovers and periods of instability that characterised the country between independence in 1962 and the National Resistance Movement's assumption of power in 1986.

He cited the political upheavals of 1966 and 1971, the overthrow of Idi Amin in 1979, and the subsequent changes in leadership involving Presidents Yusuf Lule, Godfrey Binaisa, Milton Obote and Tito Okello Lutwa before the NRM government took power in 1986.

Ruhindi argued that the contrast between those turbulent years and the period that followed illustrated the importance of a stable political environment to investors seeking predictable conditions for long-term business operations.

He said Uganda had conducted about eight successful elections since 1986, which he presented as evidence of the country's progress in sustaining political stability.

“Stability is very conducive to investment, and that's what investors want. It is something that we must sustain and build on because it keeps attracting investments into our country,” Ruhindi said.

He added that continued peace and stability would be essential in enabling companies such as Graphics Systems Limited to expand production, reach more markets and contribute to the country's economic development. 

Ruhindi reassures communities on access to prison health facility

The Nakawa East legislator also reassured residents living around Luzira that Uganda Prisons Health Centre IV remains accessible to people from neighbouring communities seeking medical services.

He specifically mentioned residents of Bugolobi, Kiswa, Mbuya and Mutungo, encouraging them to utilise the facility when they require healthcare.

“As far as the Prisons Hospital is concerned, there should be no worry at all. All the neighbouring areas enjoy the Prisons Health Centre IV medical facility at the Uganda Prisons premises in Luzira,” Ruhindi said.

He welcomed the equipment donation, saying it would contribute to improving the capacity of the health facility and benefit both the prison community and surrounding residents who depend on its services.

The legislator thanked the two directors of Graphics Systems Uganda Limited who attended the function, as well as Dr. Johnson Byabashaija Commissioner General of Prisons and the Uganda Prisons leadership, for their participation in the initiative. 

Museveni aware of challenges in health and education

Ruhindi further acknowledged the persistent challenges facing Uganda's health and education sectors, including shortages of essential supplies and other resource-related constraints affecting service delivery.

He said the donation by Graphics Systems Uganda Limited demonstrated how private-sector participation could complement government efforts to improve public services.

The MP revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had acknowledged these challenges during a meeting of the National Resistance Movement parliamentary caucus.

According to Ruhindi, the President had raised questions about whether the health sector's difficulties were attributable to inadequate budget allocations or the theft of medicines and had undertaken to discuss the matter in Cabinet.

Ruhindi expressed optimism that the government would continue examining the challenges affecting public hospitals and schools and identify appropriate measures to address them.

He said such efforts, combined with contributions from private companies and other stakeholders, could help strengthen service delivery and improve access to essential services. 

Private sector support for public healthcare

The donation by Graphics Systems Uganda Limited highlights the potential role of corporate social responsibility in supporting public healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to essential medical equipment.

The ventilator is intended to strengthen the equipment available at Uganda Prisons Health Centre IV, although its eventual clinical deployment will depend on the facility's assessment, installation and operational requirements.

For Ruhindi, the donation represents both a practical contribution to healthcare delivery and an example of how businesses can support communities while pursuing commercial growth.

He called for continued collaboration between government, private investors and local communities to sustain economic development and address the country's social service needs.

The event combined recognition of Graphics Systems Uganda Limited's industrial growth with a renewed appeal for private-sector participation in improving public services, particularly healthcare, where specialised equipment can make an important difference to patient care.