President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master), Uganda’s highest civilian honour in recognition of his contribution to national development through education and healthcare.
The award was presented during the official launch of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming University Hospital.
President Museveni and His Highness Aga Khan V also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the inauguration of the university and kickstart construction of the specialised hospital. The ceremony included the unveiling of the commissioning stone, followed by a tour of the main administrative block.
President Museveni commended the Aga Khan community for its steadfast commitment to Uganda’s development and thanked the Aga Khan personally for establishing the university and investing in healthcare infrastructure.
“The Aga Khan community has always been development-oriented. We are grateful for this lasting contribution to education and health in Uganda,” Museveni said.
This marks His Highness Aga Khan V’s first official visit to Uganda as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following his accession in February 2025. The visit reinforces the enduring relationship between Uganda and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) — a partnership that spans nearly 100 years.
Speaking at the event, His Highness Aga Khan V emphasized that the investment in AKU’s new academic facilities, student housing, and the upcoming hospital reflects his family’s belief that Ugandans deserve access to world-class healthcare and higher education.
“This project embodies our late father’s vision that Ugandans should have access to the very best international standards in health and education,” he said.
“Our pursuit of excellence will go hand-in-hand with a commitment to access for the disadvantaged. Aga Khan University already provides nearly $60 million annually in financial assistance to patients and students across its campuses.”
He further pledged to expand support programs to reach more vulnerable communities, offering both life-saving care and life-changing education.
President Museveni also reflected on the long-standing contribution of the Aga Khan family to Uganda’s development. On 9 October 2027, during Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations in Bushenyi District, Museveni awarded a similar medal to the Aga Khan’s father, His Highness Aga Khan IV, for his decades of transformative work in Uganda.
