British property investor and entrepreneur Samuel Leeds has shared the incredible story of how a life-threatening accident on the River Nile inspired him to build a 64-bed hospital ward in Uganda. The ward, located at Jinja Referral Hospital, was completed in just seven months at a cost of over one billion Ugandan shillings (about £300,000).
Leeds, who became a millionaire in property investment by the age of 25, recounted his ordeal on social media. While visiting Uganda, he fell down a waterfall on the Nile, landing on rocks and sustaining severe injuries.
“I had a really bad accident and almost died by falling down a waterfall on the River Nile and landing straight onto the rocks,” Leeds shared on his social media accounts.
He was left immobile and unfit to fly home, stranded in Uganda.
In a twist of fate, Dr. Jamela, one of the few orthopaedic surgeons in Uganda, happened to be nearby when the accident occurred and was instrumental in saving Leeds’ life. He spent 10 days in the hospital, where he witnessed firsthand the dire needs of Uganda’s healthcare system.
“No space and not a single orthopedic surgeon on site,” he noted, reflecting on the conditions.
Motivated by his experience, Leeds made it his mission to improve healthcare services in the area. Despite naysayers who doubted whether he could navigate government approvals or complete the project on time and within budget, Leeds leveraged his expertise as a property developer to build the hospital ward in a fraction of the expected time and cost.
The new hospital ward is fully equipped with doctors, nurses, and resident surgeons, and notably, Dr. Jamela – the same surgeon who saved Leeds’ life – now oversees the medical team.
“What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good,” Leeds remarked, adding that the ward will stand as part of his lasting legacy in Uganda. “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.”
While some might spend on luxury items, Leeds drew a stark comparison:
“It cost just over one billion shillings, about the same as buying a Lamborghini. Kind of sickening. Perhaps consider building a hospital ward first?”
Education for the Future: Samuel Leeds’ Vision for Ugandan Schools
Beyond healthcare, Samuel Leeds has also turned his attention to Uganda’s education sector. Through his foundation, he has invested heavily in building schools that emphasize not just traditional subjects but also financial literacy—an area Leeds feels is critical to future success.
“The Samuel Leeds School has finally opened, with over 400 pupils already registered,” Leeds announced on Twitter.
This marks his first private school in Uganda, and it stands apart from conventional schools by offering courses in business and finance alongside core academic subjects. Leeds’ motivation for this unique curriculum stems from his own experiences growing up in the UK.
“When I was at school, I was told I was stupid, and none of the teachers taught me anything about business or finance,” he recalled.
Not only is Leeds focused on building schools, but he is also collaborating with the Ugandan government to improve curriculums within state schools. His goal is to introduce financial literacy and entrepreneurship to help students prepare for real-world challenges.
Looking ahead, Leeds has even bigger plans. His next project is a Centre of Excellence that will offer online courses and remote training for both students and teachers. He has pledged to the Ugandan Ministry of Education to fund the construction of this center, provide computers, and personally volunteer his time to teach financial literacy.
“This has never been done before,” Leeds said, expressing hope that the new center will revolutionize Uganda’s school system.
“Once this is proven to revolutionize the school curriculum and 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.”
Who is Samuel Leeds
Samuel became a millionaire in property investment by the age of 17, leveraging strategies that allowed him to build a substantial portfolio with limited initial capital.
At the age of just 17, Leeds bought his first house in Birmingham, followed by a second one shortly afterwards. His portfolio gradually increased and by the age of 25, he became a property millionaire.
Career Highlights
- Property Education: He founded the Samuel Leeds Academy, one of the UK’s largest property investment training schools. His academy focuses on teaching individuals how to achieve financial freedom through real estate, even without their own funds to invest.
- Public Speaking and Events: Leeds conducts various events, including a £1 UK tour, where he educates attendees on property investment strategies. He emphasizes practical approaches to investing, such as finding undervalued properties and understanding market dynamics.
- Content Creation: Samuel actively shares his insights through social media and YouTube, where he discusses topics related to property investment and personal finance. He often highlights the importance of leveraging assets for wealth creation.
Famously remembered for his 7-day challenge last October where he stripped himself of all his millions, went back to scratch, wore a disguise as an old man and managed to become financially free in 7 Days.
Notable Achievements
- Leeds has authored books on property investment like “Buy low, Rent High,” Financially Free in 7 Days, and Success Students that provide guidance for aspiring investors.
- Many of his students have reported significant financial success after participating in his training programs, with some achieving millionaire status through his methods.
Philosophy
Leeds advocates for the idea that investing in property is a viable path to wealth, often stating,
“Don’t wait to buy property; buy property and wait.”
He emphasizes the historical appreciation of real estate values and the potential for high returns through strategic investments.
Through his investments in Uganda, Samuel Leeds has shown that his wealth and business acumen extend far beyond property development. His focus on both healthcare and education has already begun to impact the lives of countless Ugandans. The hospital ward he built serves as a symbol of his resilience, while the Samuel Leeds School and the upcoming Centre of Excellence reflect his long-term vision for sustainable change.
As he returns to the UK, Leeds leaves behind more than just physical buildings—he leaves behind hope for a better future for Uganda’s healthcare and education sectors.
