Kampala, Uganda — His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, received Uganda’s highest civilian honour today. During a landmark event at the Aga Khan University Kampala campus, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni conferred the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master) on Prince Rahim.
This prestigious award recognizes Prince Rahim’s leadership in advancing social and economic development across Uganda.
Moreover, in addition to Prince Rahim’s recognition, President Museveni honoured Princess Zahra with the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Commander).
Specifically, the award celebrates her long-standing contributions to health, education, and women’s empowerment in the region.
The ceremony itself took place at the Aga Khan University Kampala campus in Nakawa, where major new investments in higher education and healthcare were inaugurated. Her Excellency the First Lady, the Honourable Janet Museveni, attended the event alongside Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.
Historically, the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have maintained a strong partnership with Uganda. In 2017, President Museveni awarded the same honour to His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, recognizing AKDN’s enduring commitment to the country.
Inauguration of New AKU Campus Facilities
Notably, the award ceremony coincided with the official opening of the first phase of the Aga Khan University Kampala campus. The Government of Uganda provided the land for the 60-acre site. AKU’s Chancellor, generous donors, and funding from the German Government’s BMZ and KfW supported the development.
Following the inauguration, Prince Rahim and President Museveni launched the construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala. The 101-bed teaching hospital will offer world-class care across nearly two dozen specialties. It will also train healthcare professionals to meet Uganda’s urgent needs. Ultimately, once completed, the hospital will become part of AKDN’s integrated health and education system in East Africa.
To begin, President Museveni addressed the ceremony. Following his remarks, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, the Honourable Janet Museveni, also spoke. Next, His Highness the Aga Khan shared his reflections on the occasion. Building on those sentiments, AKU President and Vice Chancellor Sulaiman Shahabuddin offered his perspective. Finally, Deputy German Ambassador to Uganda Peter Primus joined the speakers, highlighting international support for the initiative. Collectively, each speaker praised the impact of AKDN’s work and reaffirmed their commitment to Uganda’s development.
As a strategic investment, the Aga Khan University Kampala campus represents a major step forward in regional capacity building. Through its expanded infrastructure, it strengthens Uganda’s healthcare and education systems while deepening ties between the country and the Ismaili Imamat.
