Kabaka Ronald Mutebi has paid tribute to the late Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim Al Hussaini, praising his lifelong dedication to global development and his enduring impact on Uganda.
In a message of condolence to the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Kabaka acknowledged the spiritual leader’s pivotal role in advancing health, education, and social welfare.
The tribute, delivered by Buganda’s Minister for Information, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, was formally presented to Amin Mawji OBE, the AKDN Representative in Uganda.
The Kabaka commended the legacy of Aga Khan IV, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 87, as a man who “worked tirelessly to uphold human dignity and uplift communities across the world.”
He particularly highlighted the late leader’s contributions in Uganda, noting that “his efforts in the health and education sectors will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.”
Under the leadership of Aga Khan IV, the AKDN established several landmark institutions in Uganda.
These include the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Hospital in Kampala, and various education and entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at underserved communities.
His commitment to inclusive development left a profound imprint on the country’s social fabric.
In the same message, the Kabaka congratulated Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, who has now assumed the mantle as Aga Khan V, and pledged Buganda Kingdom’s continued cooperation with the Imamat.
He recalled the historical ties between the two entities, rooted in the era of his father, Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II, and reaffirmed Buganda’s readiness to strengthen this long-standing relationship.
In his response, Mawji expressed the Ismaili community’s gratitude for the Kabaka’s message and his commitment to partnership.
He lauded the Kingdom’s leadership and shared aspirations, especially in advancing initiatives in coffee value addition, quality education, and sustainable livelihoods.
“This collaboration is not just symbolic—it holds real promise for transformative change,” Mawji said.
The death of Aga Khan IV has been met with a global outpouring of grief and remembrance.
His six-decade leadership was marked by a steadfast devotion to humanitarian service, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of pluralism.
In Uganda, his legacy endures not just in infrastructure, but in the lives improved by his vision of development grounded in dignity and equity.