His Highness Aga Khan V arrived in Uganda for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening development partnerships in health, education, and regional integration.
He was welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng before meeting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni at State House, Entebbe.
The visit will feature the launch of the Aga Khan University and the commissioning of the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital. His Highness is also scheduled to meet members of the Ismaili community in Uganda.
President Museveni praised the longstanding contribution of the Ismaili community to Uganda’s development.
“If past governments had not interfered with the Shia community’s development, they would be very far,” Museveni said, emphasizing that private enterprise is vital to national growth. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for private sector investment.
His Highness Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reflected on his family’s historic ties to Uganda.
“My father had great love for Uganda, so it is very meaningful for me to be here to meet you,” he said, adding thanks for the support from the Ministries of Education and Health in facilitating his visit.
The two leaders also discussed accelerating efforts to establish a fully integrated East African Community (EAC) market. His Highness urged speedy progress on regional economic integration, and President Museveni assured him that significant measures are already underway.
Accompanying His Highness are Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, underscoring the importance of this visit to the Aga Khan family and the Aga Khan Development Network.
The visit highlights Uganda’s ongoing collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network in promoting education, healthcare, and economic development across the region.
