President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to His Highness Aga Khan IV, describing him as a key supporter of Uganda’s development and a respected spiritual leader.
During a meeting with Princess Zahra Aga Khan at State Lodge, Nakasero, the President extended his condolences to the Aga Khan family following the passing of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who died on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at 88 years old.
“I was surprised when I heard about his death because, at 88 years old, he was not old,” Museveni said, recalling the honor he once bestowed upon the Aga Khan during a visit to Bushenyi.
The President reflected on his early memories of the Ismaili community in Uganda and how he first learned about the Aga Khan’s leadership in the late 1950s.
“It must have been around 1957-1958, when I was 12 years old, that I noticed four Indian families in Ntungamo hanging pictures of a young man. They told us he was the new 'King' (Mukama) of the Indians. We thought he was the King of all Indians,” Museveni said.
He recalled seeing the Aga Khan’s pictures displayed in Indian-owned shops, alongside images of Queen Elizabeth and Omugabe Gasyonga, the King of the Banyankore.
Museveni praised the Aga Khan and the Ismaili community for their contributions to Uganda’s economic and social development.
“Since I came into government, I had the opportunity to meet His Highness. He and his community have been very supportive of Uganda and other African countries,” he said.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan expressed her deep connection to Uganda, noting that she had visited multiple times.
“I have been to Uganda many times. The first time I came here was in 1990, and I was here last year and the year before,” she said.
As a board member of Aga Khan University, she highlighted the institution’s role in Uganda’s higher education and healthcare sectors.
She also made a special request to President Museveni, asking him to pray for the soul of the late Aga Khan IV.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University, and Mr. Amin M Mawji Obe, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network to Uganda and Kenya.