Kampala – President Yoweri Museveni has spoken from his heart regarding the late Aga Khan, Shah Karim al-Husayni, who died earlier in the week aged 87 years. The late Aga Khan was the 49th leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a great friend of Uganda, whose broad vision in many ways contributed to the country’s social and economic transformation. Now, his son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, will become the new head of the Ismaili Muslims, following the long family history of service.

Eulogising the Aga Khan, President Museveni referred to him as a true friend of Uganda. He reminisced over the Aga Khan since the 1950s when, for the first time, he saw pictures of the young leader in the homes of Indian families in Ntungamo. At the time, many people thought the Aga Khan was the “King of all Indians,” something that showed the level of respect and admiration he commanded even at an early age.

Besides being a spiritual leader, the Aga Khan has been an important player in the development of Uganda. For many years, he invested heavily in major areas of concern: health, education, media, and infrastructure. This prolific legacy he left in Uganda is reflected in institutions such as the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Hospital in Kampala, which bear testimony to his resolve to uplift Ugandans in their lives.

The President also praised the AKDN, led by Prince Karim Aga Khan, for remaining committed to Uganda for many decades. Even when the political environment was bad, AKDN never gave up on this country but continued to accompany the country in the rebuilding and modernization of the main sectors. When NRM came into power, the AKDN regained momentum in full force until today, making these contributions to Uganda’s growth and development.

He mentioned some of the Aga Khan’s most famous projects, such as the IPS buildings in Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi, which were not just structures but icons symbolic of the Aga Khan’s impetus toward progress and development. The President reassured them that the work of the Aga Khan should serve as inspiration for others to carry on with his good causes and mission of improving livelihoods and building a better future.

At 87, the Aga Khan was still active and had much more to offer. His death is a great loss, not only to the Ismaili community but to the whole world. President Museveni called on all to emulate the legacy of the late Aga Khan by ensuring that his work is continued. He also condoled with the Ismaili community and welcomed the new Aga Khan, Prince Rahim, and hoped he would continue with his father’s vision for progress and service to humanity.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni said as he paid tribute to a man who dedicated his life to helping others and making the world a better place.

The Aga Khan has contributed to Uganda in many ways. Most of the investments he has made in health and education have deeply transformed this country. Take, for example, the Aga Khan Hospital in Kampala-thousands get first-class health care-or the Aga Khan University, among the leading institutions of higher learning. These are not only places of learning and healing but also acts of hope and progress.

Besides health and education, the Aga Khan has also been very instrumental in Uganda’s media. His investment in the media has gone a long way in ensuring freedom of expression and a platform for divergent views. This has been important in a country where access to information is cardinal for development and democracy.

The work the Aga Khan has done in Uganda, indeed everywhere, is a testimony to his belief in using development to bring about change in the lives of people. He emphasized that genuine lasting change must come from investing in people and building strong institutions. And it is not in buildings and institutions, but in the lives he touched and the hope he inspired, that his legacy will endure.

President Museveni’s tribute to the Aga Khan is a reminder of the importance of honoring those who have made a difference in the world. The Aga Khan’s life was a life of service, and his work will continue to inspire future generations. As Uganda mourns the loss of a great friend and leader, it also celebrates the legacy he leaves behind.

The death of the Aga Khan is a time of reflection for all of us. It is a time to remember the values he stood for: compassion, service, and a commitment to making the world a better place. It is also a time to renew our own commitment to these values and to continue the work he started.

As the President welcomed the new Aga Khan, Prince Rahim, he said that he hoped the new leader would carry on his father’s vision. It is not the past wherein the legacy of the Aga Khan rests but in what the future holds: in the work which shall continue being done in his name, in the lives which shall continue being touched by his vision, and in the hope which shall keep being inspired by his example.

As we bid farewell to the Aga Khan, so do we say thank you for service, the vision, and commitment to building a better world. Your memory will survive not only in Uganda but all over the world. Your soul rest in eternal peace.