Aga Khan makes first official visit to Uganda

Uganda · 10 September 2025 · 4 min

AKDN / Akbar Hakim

Government of Uganda

AKDN / Aly Z Ramji

AKDN / Aly Z Ramji

AKDN / Akbar Hakim

AKDN / Rukhsar Amin Muhammad

AKDN / Rahim Kara

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Kampala, Uganda, 10 September 2025 -His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V today began an official visit to Uganda from 10 to 12 September at the invitation of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

This visit is His Highness's first official visit to Uganda as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following his accession in February 2025. The visit reflects the Imamat's enduring commitment to Uganda and builds on almost a century of partnership through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Reception at State House

AKDN / Aly Z Ramji

On Wednesday, 10 September, His Highness, together with Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, arrived at Entebbe International Airport, where they were received by Uganda's Minister of Health, Dr Jane Aceng, the President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, Mrs Arzina Kurji, and the Aga Khan Development Network's Diplomatic Representative to East Africa, Mr Amin Mawji. Formalities included a guard of honour and a performance by the military band.

His Highness, Princess Zahra and Prince Aly Muhammad then travelled to State House, where they were warmly received by President Museveni and the First Lady, the Honourable Janet Museveni. After exchanging greetings, the delegation joined the President and First Lady for formal talks with discussions centred on the long-standing partnership between the Ismaili Imamat, AKDN and Uganda, and shared priorities for future cooperation.

Almost a century of partnership in Uganda

AKDN institutions have long contributed to Uganda's social and economic development. Some examples of AKDN's engagement in Uganda are as follows:

• Education & early childhood development (ECD): The Aga Khan Foundation reaches approximately 500,000 learners nationally; its early childhood programme has benefited 65,000+ children and supported 100+ community-owned ECD centres. The Aga Khan Schools, which date back to the early 1930s, run co-educational day schools with a total student population of 2,500 children across nursery, primary and secondary levels.
• Health workforce & access: 1,000+ AKU-educated nurses strengthen care nationwide; AKU's four Kampala centres provide consultations, diagnostics and specialist referrals.
• Energy & infrastructure: The 250MW Bujagali Hydropower Plant provides approximately 33 percent of Uganda's electricity, virtually eliminating load-shedding and improving the investment climate. In West Nile, AKDN's WENRECo has expanded electrification to schools, health facilities and businesses in a region where access to electricity is severely limited.
• Tourism & employment: Kampala Serena Hotel employs 442 staff (98 percent Ugandan); Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa employs 170 Ugandans.
• Media & pluralism: Through Nation Media Group/Monitor Publications, AKDN supports Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda (the country's leading TV station) and local radio - strengthening independent media.

AKDN / Rahim Kara

For the remainder of the visit: 11-12 September

On Thursday, 11 September, His Highness is due to visit the Aga Khan University's new Kampala campus to inaugurate major new investments in higher education and health care. The programme will include ceremonies to open the University's first academic facilities on its new campus and mark the commencement of construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital, reflecting the Imamat's long-term commitment to strengthening Uganda's health and education systems.

On Friday, 12 September, His Highness will meet with members of the Ugandan Ismaili community. The occasion will provide an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the country's social and economic life, and to reaffirm the Imamat's commitment to improving the quality of life for all Ugandans, regardless of faith or background.

NOTES

About the Ismaili Imamat

Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) was the last and final Messenger of God. The Shia interpretation of Islam holds that during his lifetime, upon divine command, the Prophet designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib (may peace be upon him) as the leader of the Muslim community. According to Shia Muslims, the office of religious leadership, or Imamat, continues in perpetuity. The Ismaili Imamat is a hereditary office in succession from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who was married to Hazrat Bibi Fatima a-Zahra, the Prophet's daughter and only surviving child. For Shia Ismaili Muslims, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan is the 50th hereditary Imam in direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad.

In the Muslim tradition, the Imam not only leads in the interpretation of the faith, but also in the effort to improve the security and quality of life of his community and of the wider societies within which it lives.

About the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

AKDN is an international group of agencies and enterprises established by the Ismaili Imamat to fulfil its mandate of improving quality of life for all, regardless of faith or background.

AKDN operates across more than 30 countries and through a variety of sectors including education, health, culture, the environment and economic development. In Uganda, its almost century-long presence continues to empower communities, strengthen systems and foster sustainable development.

Media contact:
Christopher Wilton-Steer (AKDN)
[email protected]