President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has inaugurated the Aga Khan University and launched the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nakawa Division, Kampala, in a ceremony that reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to private sector-led growth in education and health.
Speaking at the event, President Museveni assured investors of protective legislation for their ventures in Uganda. “The government is committed to ensuring a thriving private sector by providing an enabling environment that fosters business growth,” he said.
The President reflected on Uganda’s history with the Ismaili community, recalling the expulsion of Asians in the 1970s that crippled the economy, and praised the NRM government’s efforts to restore confidence and revive private investment.
He commended the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for establishing the state-of-the-art university and hospital project, which features smart lecture facilities, a simulation laboratory, library, and multipurpose auditorium.
“The presence of the Aga Khan University and Hospital will bridge service gaps and address critical health and education needs,” Museveni said. He also urged investors to report corrupt officials who solicit bribes or shares, warning that such practices undermine development.
During the ceremony, President Museveni presented the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and the Grand Commander Award to Princess Zahra Aga Khan for AKDN’s outstanding contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni hailed the project as a landmark achievement. “This partnership is a milestone in promoting quality education in the area of health care. The NRM Government has provided 60 acres of land, while the Aga Khan University brings expertise, experience, and investment required for a venture of this magnitude,” she said.
She emphasized government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, citing the growth from one public university to ten, and forty-eight private universities. “Our goal as a country has been to expand opportunities, ensure equity, and strengthen higher education as an engine of innovation and national development,” she noted.
Maama Janet also highlighted recent investments in laboratories, libraries, and infrastructure upgrades in public universities and called for continued partnerships to strengthen Uganda’s education system.
His Highness Aga Khan V expressed gratitude for the warm reception and celebrated the project’s potential to advance knowledge and public service. “This university reflects the power of design to support the quest for knowledge. We will pursue positive working relationships with the public sector for development,” he said.
The President of Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, thanked Museveni for his consistent support. “Your Excellency, you have always reminded us that education is central to the economic transformation of the country,” he remarked.
The high-profile event was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.
