Museveni mourns the Aga Khan IV, burial Sunday

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed his deep sorrow at the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, describing him as a great friend and a visionary leader who contributed immensely to the development of Uganda and Africa at large.

In a message posted on his X, formerly Twitter handle, the President, alongside First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, extended their condolences to the Aga Khan family and the global Ismaili community.

The Aga Khan, imam of the Ismaili Muslims and head of a major development aid foundation, died in Lisbon at 88, his foundation announced on February 4, 2025.  

He was the founder and president of the Aga Khan Development Network, which employs 96,000 people and finances development programmes, particularly in Asia and Africa.

 In Uganda, the Aga Khan has had a hand in multiple enterprises, including education at all levels (primary, secondary and university), medicine (hospital and clinics), humanitarian aid and the hospitality industry.

These are under the Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Schools and Aga Khan University, among others.

"Maama Janet and I were sorry and very sad to learn of the death of our friend, His Highness the Aga Khan," President Museveni posted on February 7.

Reflecting on his early memories of the Aga Khan, President Museveni recalled how, as a young boy in Ntungamo in the late 1950s, he first became aware of the Aga Khan’s leadership.

"It must have been 1957-1958 when, at the age of 12, I started seeing our four Indian families in Ntungamo hanging pictures of a young man whom they told us was the new 'King' (Mukama) of the Indians. We thought he was the King of all Indians," he said.

The Aga Khan, imam of the Ismaili Muslims and head of a major development aid foundation, died in Lisbon at 88, his foundation announced on February 4, 2025.  (Courtesy Photo)

Museveni recounted how these families, including Budala (Abdallah), Mamudali (Mohammed Ali, as he recalled), and two others, revered the Aga Khan. There were also two Basiiri families of Yemeni Arab descent, one of them being Bumbakare (possibly Abubakar).

He noted that the young Aga Khan’s picture was often displayed alongside those of Queen Elizabeth and the Omugabe of Ankole, Gasyonga, signifying his importance among different communities.

President Museveni later had the privilege of meeting His Highness after assuming leadership in Uganda, further deepening his understanding of the Aga Khan’s vision and commitment to development.

"Eventually, after many years, I met His Highness when I came into government in Uganda. Since that time, and even before, His Highness and his community have been very supportive of Uganda and other African countries."

President Museveni emphasised that His Highness’s unwavering dedication to social welfare, pluralism, and humanitarian work would be remembered for generations to come.

As Uganda mourns the loss of a remarkable leader and friend, the president reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Ugandan government and the Aga Khan institutions, ensuring that his noble efforts continue to thrive.

"We celebrate his life and achievements, and we stand in solidarity with all those who held him dear. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

The passing of the Aga Khan marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, unity, and progress will continue to inspire many across Uganda, Africa, and the world.

Heir named

Following the passing of Karim, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims by Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.

Rahim was on February 5, 2025, named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father.

Funeral and burial

Karim's funeral will be held today, February 8, at 11:00am at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. According to a press release, the event is open to invited guests only. 

"Guests will include members of His Highness’s family, leaders of the global Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network, officials of the Portuguese government and state authorities, and international dignitaries. Photos and video will not be permitted inside the Ismaili Centre," the statement reads.

 Pool shots and b-roll will be made available shortly after the ceremony, alongside the official press release.

The ceremony will be live-streamed on Ismaili TV https://tv.ismaili/

Thereafter, Aga Khan IV will be laid to rest at a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt on Sunday.