The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has described His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), as a great philanthropist who made immense contributions to Uganda’s economic development. Aga Khan IV passed away last night in Lisbon, Portugal. Through his business ventures and philanthropy, he made substantial investments in Uganda, shaping various key sectors.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda.
A Legacy of Investment and Development
Aga Khan’s enterprises span multiple industries, including media, energy, healthcare, education, banking, hospitality, and real estate. His media holdings in Uganda include Daily Monitor, NTV, and KFM, while his energy sector contributions feature the Bujagali Hydropower Plant. He also established hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities, such as Aga Khan University. His footprint extends to tourism, insurance, and real estate, among others. “He visited Uganda on multiple occasions,” Tayebwa stated during Wednesday’s plenary sitting. “He employed thousands of Ugandans and contributed tremendously to our taxes and state coffers.”
Tayebwa further highlighted Aga Khan’s generosity: “He was a huge philanthropist who supported many Ugandans, and his foundation continues to impact countless lives.”
Recognizing His Contributions
The Deputy Speaker revealed that he was informed of Aga Khan IV’s passing by Riaz Nathu, the AKDN’s Head for East Africa, who sent him a message last night.“I felt extremely sad,” Tayebwa expressed.In recognition of his significant contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic progress, Aga Khan IV was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa Medal by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during Uganda’s 55th Independence Day celebrations in Bushenyi.
Decades of Impact in Uganda
Prince Karim became the Aga Khan in 1957 at just 20 years old, following the passing of his grandfather. His leadership saw the establishment of strong business and development partnerships in Uganda and East Africa, even before the country gained independence.AKDN-affiliated institutions have operated in Uganda for over 70 years, with development investments exceeding $1 billion. Collectively, AKDN entities rank among Uganda’s highest taxpayers, according to the organization’s official reports.During his 2015 visit to Uganda, Aga Khan IV underscored the importance of collaboration between AKDN and the government, emphasizing that their transformative initiatives would not have been possible without strong partnerships.
“These initiatives cover enormous areas—not just healthcare, but also education, economic development, and cultural activities. In other words, all the key sectors that governments and civil society invest in,” he remarked at the time.
Enduring Legacy
Aga Khan IV leaves behind a lasting legacy in Uganda and beyond, having dedicated his life to development, philanthropy, and uplifting communities. His impact will continue to be felt through the institutions and initiatives he championed for decades.
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