Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has Aga Khan whom he described as a great philanthropist who made immense contributions to Uganda’s economic development.
Aga Khan passed away on Tuesday night in Lisbon, Portugal.
“He visited Uganda on multiple occasions. He is employing thousands of Ugandans and contributing tremendously to our taxes and state coffers,” Tayebwa said.
“He was a huge philanthropist who has supported very many Ugandans, and his foundation continues to support them.”
Aga Khan’s businesses in Uganda span multiple sectors, including media, with outlets like Daily Monitor, NTV, and KFM, and energy, with the Bujagali Hydropower Plant.
His investments also include healthcare, with Aga Khan Hospital and clinics, education, with Aga Khan University, secondary, and primary schools, as well as banking, hospitality, insurance, real estate and tourism.
Tayebwa said that Aga Khan IV was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa Medal by President Museveni during the 55th Independence Day celebrations in Bushenyi.
Institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network have been present in Uganda for over 70 years, with a total development investment exceeding $1 billion. These entities are among the highest taxpayers in Uganda, according to AKDN’s website.
During his visit to Uganda in 2015, Aga Khan emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving socio-economic development.
“These initiatives cover enormous areas, not just in healthcare, but in education, economic development, and cultural activities—in other words, in all the key endeavors that governments and civil society invest in,” Tayebwa said.
Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslim community, was born in 1936 in Geneva, Switzerland. His philanthropic work through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has had a significant global impact, particularly in developing countries. Aga Khan’s mission has been to improve the quality of life for people in some of the world’s most marginalized regions. His contributions span sectors such as healthcare, education, culture, and economic development.
In Uganda, Aga Khan’s legacy is especially prominent in areas like media, infrastructure, and social development.
His businesses in Uganda include major media outlets such as Daily Monitor, NTV, and KFM, as well as the Bujagali Hydropower Plant, one of the largest private sector investments in the country’s energy sector.
The Aga Khan Development Network has invested heavily in healthcare and education through institutions like Aga Khan Hospital, Aga Khan University, and a wide network of schools.
These investments have not only bolstered the country’s economy but have also created thousands of jobs.
