Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has eulogized His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), who passed away on Tuesday night in Lisbon, Portugal.
Tayebwa described him as a great philanthropist whose contributions were pivotal in Uganda's economic development.
Aga Khan’s business and philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on Uganda across multiple sectors, including media, healthcare, education, and energy.
His ventures in Uganda include major investments such as the Bujagali Hydropower Plant, the Aga Khan Hospital and clinics, and various educational institutions, including Aga Khan University, secondary, and primary schools.
Additionally, his influence extended into sectors such as banking, hospitality, insurance, real estate, and tourism.
“He visited Uganda on multiple occasions,” Tayebwa remarked during the opening of the Wednesday plenary sitting.
“He is employing thousands of Ugandans and contributing tremendously to our taxes and state coffers. He was a huge philanthropist who has supported many Ugandans, and his foundation continues to support them.”
Tayebwa also shared that he had met Riaz Nathu, the current head of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in East Africa, who had informed him of Aga Khan’s passing.
Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.
The prince had an estimated fortune of $1bn (£801m) in 2008, according to Forbes magazine. His inherited wealth was boosted by numerous business interests, including horse-breeding.
The prince was the founder of the Aga Khan Foundation charity and gave his name to bodies including a university in Karachi, and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture was key to the restoration of the Humayun's Tomb site in Delhi. There is an annual Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
And he founded the Nation Media Group, which has become the largest independent media organisation in east and central Africa.
In recognition of his immense contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic development, Tayebwa noted that the Aga Khan IV was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa Medal by President Museveni during Uganda's 55th Independence Day celebrations in Bushenyi.
Aga Khan’s institutions, through the AKDN, have been present in Uganda for over 70 years, with the total development investment exceeding $1 billion. These entities have also become some of the highest taxpayers in Uganda, underscoring their significant economic role.
Under his leadership, Aga Khan transformed Uganda’s socio-economic landscape. His businesses, especially in education, healthcare, and energy, were pivotal in uplifting the nation’s development.
During his 2015 visit to Uganda, he emphasized the importance of the partnership between the government and AKDN, highlighting that without this collaboration, the initiatives that had been implemented over the past 50 years would not have been possible.
“These initiatives cover enormous areas, not just in healthcare, but in education, economic development, and cultural activities—in other words, in all the key endeavours that governments and civil society invest in,” he had remarked.
Prince Karim’s legacy will remain an integral part of Uganda’s history, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the nation's growth.
Tayebwa’s tribute echoed the sentiment shared by many, acknowledging the Aga Khan’s immense impact on Uganda's prosperity and well-being. His passing leaves a void, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.