By: Boy Fidel Leon
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has inaugurated the Aga Khan University and launched the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nakawa Division, Kampala, pledging government support to safeguard private and foreign investment in Uganda.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President assured investors of “protective legislation” to guarantee their ventures, saying the government remains committed to building a thriving private sector by fostering a stable, enabling business environment.
Museveni highlighted the development footprint of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), recalling how Uganda’s economy collapsed following the 1970s expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin until the NRM government reversed the policy.
“The return of expelled foreigners revived Uganda’s economy,” Museveni said, adding that institutions like Aga Khan University are proof of the enduring impact of partnerships between Uganda and the Ismaili community.
The President commended AKDN for equipping the university with smart lecture halls, a simulation laboratory, a library, and a multipurpose auditorium to meet Uganda’s growing demand for quality higher education.
The government allocated 60 acres of land in Nakawa for the establishment of the university and specialised teaching hospital, a joint partnership aimed at addressing gaps in healthcare and advanced training.
While applauding private sector contributions, Museveni urged investors to resist and report corrupt government officials who attempt to extort or demand shares in their companies.
“Investors like the Aga Khan should always report corrupt officials. We will protect you,” he said.
The President also awarded two prestigious national honours to Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award and the Grand Commander Award, respectively, in recognition of AKDN’s contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, described the project as a milestone partnership between Uganda and AKDN, thanking the Aga Khan leadership for their investment in education and healthcare.
The NRM Government has generously provided the University with 60 acres of land. The Aga Khan University provides the expertise, experience, and immense investment required for a venture of this magnitude,” she said.
She outlined government’s broader commitment to expanding higher education, noting Uganda has grown from one public university to 10, alongside 48 private universities.
She also pointed to new infrastructure at Makerere University and the National Council for Higher Education as part of ongoing reforms.
Quoting Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil,” the First Lady stressed the importance of partnerships in transforming Uganda’s education sector.
“This partnership is yet another milestone in promoting quality education in the area of health care,” she said.
His Highness Aga Khan V emphasised that the new facilities symbolise “the power and design to support the quest for knowledge,” thanking architects and partners who made the project possible.
He pledged that Aga Khan University and Hospital will pursue close collaboration with Uganda’s public sector to drive development.
The President of Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, also hailed Museveni’s longstanding support.
“Your Excellency, you have always told us that we need education for the economic transformation of the country,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.
With the launch of Aga Khan University and the hospital project, Uganda strengthens its higher education and healthcare landscape, a partnership officials say will play a vital role in human capital development and investor confidence.