KAMPALA, Uganda – His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, commenced a significant three-day official visit to Uganda on Wednesday, September 10th. The visit, which extends until September 12th, is being conducted at the invitation of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
This tour marks Prince Rahim’s first official engagement with the East African nation since his accession to the Imamat in February 2025, signalling a new chapter in a nearly century-long partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and Uganda, primarily channelled through the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Upon their arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Prince Rahim, accompanied by his sister Princess Zahra Aga Khan and brother Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, were formally received by a delegation led by Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Aceng. They were also welcomed by the President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, Mrs. Arzina Kurji, and the AKDN’s Diplomatic Representative to East Africa, Mr. Amin Mawji.
The delegation proceeded directly to State House, where they were warmly greeted by President Museveni and the First Lady, the Honourable Janet Museveni. Following an exchange of pleasantries, the parties held formal discussions focused on reinforcing the long-standing and fruitful collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat, AKDN, and the Republic of Uganda. The talks centred on reviewing past achievements and aligning on shared priorities for future cooperation aimed at fostering development and improving the quality of life for all Ugandans.
The itinerary for the visit underscores this commitment to development. On Thursday, September 11th, His Highness is scheduled to visit the new Kampala campus of the Aga Khan University. There, he will inaugurate major new investments in the critical sectors of higher education and healthcare, highlighting the Imamat’s ongoing dedication to human development in Uganda.
The visit will conclude on Friday, September 12th, with a meeting between Prince Rahim and the Ugandan Ismaili community. This gathering will serve to acknowledge the community’s deep-rooted contributions to the nation’s social and economic fabric and to reaffirm the Imamat’s enduring commitment to the progress and prosperity of Uganda.
The visit of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan is being closely watched as a powerful reaffirmation of a historic partnership and a promising step towards future collaborative efforts for national development.
