By Diana kintu
The air in State House Kampala was warm with a sense of purpose as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, the President of Aga Khan University. Their meeting was not just a courtesy call; it was a moment that carried the weight of years of partnership between Uganda and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Seated across from the Head of State, Dr. Shahabuddin spoke with humility, reaffirming the university’s mission. “Your Excellency, you have always emphasized the importance of education for national economic transformation,” he said, his words carrying both respect and conviction. He explained how the supportive environment provided by the Ugandan government had allowed the institution to thrive, nurturing not only academic excellence but also advancing access to healthcare and teacher training.
President Museveni, in his measured tone, expressed deep gratitude for the contributions of Aga Khan University. He spoke of the institution’s vital role in building human capacity—a resource he often calls the true wealth of a nation. “Partnerships like these,” he noted, “are not just beneficial; they are essential for our country’s growth and for preparing our citizens for the demands of a modern economy.”
Around them, high-ranking officials, diplomats, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament listened attentively. Their presence added gravity to the occasion, a reminder that this was more than an exchange of pleasantries. It was the reaffirmation of a shared vision—a belief that education and healthcare are the twin engines of transformation.
Beyond the walls of State House, the story of Aga Khan University is already well-known. From training doctors and nurses to preparing teachers for classrooms across East Africa, the institution has become a beacon of progress. Its work in Uganda is seen as a cornerstone for building professional skills and improving social welfare.
As the meeting concluded, the sense of partnership lingered. This was not the end of a conversation but the continuation of a journey—a journey of investing in human capital, a foundation upon which Uganda seeks to build its long-term socio-economic stability and prosperity.