President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed deep sorrow following the death of His Highness the Aga Khan, a global spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a champion of development across Africa and beyond.
In a heartfelt statement, President Museveni described his personal and historical connection to the late leader.
“Maama Janet and myself were sorry and very sad to learn of the death of our friend, His Highness the Aga Khan,” Museveni said.
Reflecting on his childhood in Ntungamo, the President shared memories of seeing portraits of a young Aga Khan in the homes of Indian families in the area.
“It must have been 1957-1958, when, at the age of 12, I started seeing our four Indian families at Ntungamo hanging pictures of a young man whom they told us was the new ‘King’ (Mukama) of the Indians,” he recalled. “We thought he was the King of all Indians.”
Museveni also praised the Aga Khan for his significant contributions to Uganda and East Africa.
“I remember the good buildings that the Community put up in Kampala here, Dar-es-Salaam, and maybe Nairobi. They were called IPS buildings,” he noted.
Even during times of political and economic turbulence, the Aga Khan Foundation remained a reliable partner for Uganda.
“The philosophical and ideological shifts that adversely affected the communities of the private sector did not deter the Aga Khan Foundation. In Uganda, when the NRM came into power, the Aga Khan Foundation came back in full force,” Museveni emphasized.
The President described the late Aga Khan as a valued friend and visionary leader. “At the age of 88, our friend still had value to contribute. It is sad that he had to leave us. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Looking to the future, Museveni extended his support and blessings to the new Aga Khan. “I welcome the new Aga Khan. May the Almighty bless his work,” he concluded.
The passing of the Aga Khan marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to be celebrated in Uganda and across the globe.
