TMR INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL PRO...

TMR International Hospital today held a press conference to update the public on the condition of Mr. Kayanja Timothy, popularly known as Jayden, a young Ugandan social media influencer who was admitted in critical condition on Friday, 5th December 2025, following a severe sickle cell complication.

Jayden was rushed to the hospital after timely intervention by his close friend, Ms. Shamim Mayanja, also known as Zubeda. Upon arrival, he was immediately admitted to critical care, where specialists worked urgently to stabilize him. In light of the seriousness of his condition, TMR International Hospital committed to providing his emergency medical care at no cost to his family.

According to Dr. Erasmus Okello, Head of Critical Care Services, Jayden arrived in severe distress, with dangerously low oxygen levels of 70%. Through swift and coordinated medical intervention, the team was able to stabilize him and manage the immediate crisis. As his condition improved, his care was transitioned to the Internal Medicine team and consulting hematologists.

Jayden’s attending physician, Dr. Oscar Mugerwa, explained that he suffered from Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crisis and Acute Chest Syndrome, serious complications of sickle cell disease. While his condition has significantly improved, Jayden no longer responds to hydroxyurea, a standard sickle cell medication. As a result, a bone marrow transplant has been identified as the best long-term solution to improve his quality of life.

The Executive Director of TMR International Hospital, Dr. Daniel M. Talemwa, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to compassionate care, stating that all costs related to managing Jayden’s acute crisis were fully covered by the hospital. 

Dr. Daniel expressed deep appreciation to the public for the overwhelming support shown to Jayden, noting that the cost of a bone marrow transplant ranges between USD 40,000 and USD 150,000. Ongoing fundraising aims to raise USD 100,000 to cover the transplant and essential post-transplant care, which is critical to prevent complications and rejection.

Jayden, visibly grateful, thanked the TMR team and the public for their support, expressing amazement at receiving world-class care free of charge and acknowledging the role of public compassion in his recovery.

TMR International Hospital remains a leader in patient-centered, world-class healthcare. It is the only hospital in East Africa with three ISO certifications and has pioneered several landmark procedures in Uganda, including the country’s first cochlear implant in 2018 and free closed-heart surgeries in September 2025.

As Dr. Daniel concluded, “At TMR International Hospital, every second counts and every life matters.” The hospital continues to stand with Jayden and the wider community, reaffirming its mission of compassion, excellence, and lifesaving care for all.