Kabaka (King) Ronald Mutebi paid tribute to His Late Highness Prince Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV, praising his lifelong dedication to global development and his enduring impact on Uganda.
In a message of condolence to the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Kabaka acknowledged the spiritual leader’s pivotal role in advancing health, education and social welfare.
The tribute, delivered by Buganda’s Minister for Information, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, was formally presented to Amin Mawji, OBE, the AKDN Resident Reprsentative in Uganda.
Kampala, Uganda. April 23, 2025: Buganda’s Minister Israel Kazibwe Kitooke delivers the Kabaka’s tribute and message to Amin Mawji OBE, AKDN Representative in Uganda. Image credit: Buganda UK
“His Highness the Aga Khan IV worked tirelessly to uphold human dignity and uplift communities across the world.
His efforts in the health and education sectors will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
Under the leadership of the Aga Khan IV, the AKDN established several landmark institutions in Uganda.
Architectural model of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and Hospital (AKUH -Kampala) Kampala campus under construction since 2019 and soon to be opened in 2025. Image credit AKU
These include the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Hospital in Kampala, and various education and entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at the underserved communities.
His commitment to inclusive development left a profound imprint on the country’s social fabric.
I congratulate Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, who has now assumed the mantle as Aga Khan V and pledge Buganda Kingdom’s continued cooperation with the Imamat, as this historical ties are rooted in the era of my father, Ssekabaka Edward Mutessa II and I reaffirm Buganda’s readiness to strengthen this long-standing relationship.”
~ Kabaka Ronald Mutebi,
36th Kabaka (King) of the Kingdom of Buganda,
Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University (2011-6),
Mengo, Buganda – February 5th, 2025
In the same message, the Kabaka congratulated His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini on assuming the mantle as Aga Khan V, and pledged Buganda’s continued cooperation with the Imamat.
The Kabaka recalled the historical ties between the Buganda Kingdom and the Ismaili Imamat, rooted in the era of hos father, Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II, and reaffirmed Buganda’s readiness to strengthen this long standing relationship.
The death of Aga Khan IV has been met with a global outpouring of grief and remembrance.
In Uganda, His Late Highness Prince Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV legacy endures not just in infrastructure, but in the lives improved by his vision of development grounded in dignity and equity.
Kampala, Uganda. April 23, 2025: Buganda’s Minister Israel Kazibwe Kitooke delivers the Kabaka’s message to Amin Mawji OBE, AKDN Representative in Uganda. Image credit: Buganda UK
“Kabaka Commends the services of Aga Khan IV.
Omuteregga [King] sends his condolences to the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), and Minister Israel Kazibwe Kitooke conveyed the King’s message to Mr. Amin Mawji OBE AKDN Representative in Uganda.”
~ Buganda’s mission in the UK & Ireland,
London, England – April 23rd, 2025
Kampala, Uganda. April 23, 2025: Buganda’s Minister Israel Kazibwe Kitooke and Amin Mawji OBE, AKDN Representative in Uganda, exchanging warm greetings. Image credit: Buganda UK
“We have learnt, with sadness, the demise of the Aga Khan, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, [at] 88.
The Kingdom of Buganda has cordial relations with the Ismail Community – in Uganda and abroad, for whom the Aga Khan is spiritual leader.
HM Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II has known and collaborated with the late Prince Al-Hussaini for years.
We appreciate the Aga Khan’s humanness, extending significant social services and economic initiatives in Uganda, and worldwide.
On behalf of the Kingdom of Buganda, and on my own behalf, I extend our condolences to the Prince’s family, the Ismail Community and the Aga Khan Foundation.”
~ Charles Peter Mayiga,
Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Buganda,
Mengo, Buganda – February 5th, 2025
In his response, Amin Mawji expressed the Ismaili community’s gratitude for the Kabaka’s message and his commitment to partnership. He lauded the Kingdom’s leadership and shared aspirations, especially in advancing initiatives in coffee value addition, quality education, and sustainable livelihoods.
Kampala, Uganda. April 23, 2025: Amin Mawji OBE, AKDN Representative in Uganda expressing his appreciation. Image credit: Buganda UK
“This collaboration is not just symbolic, it holds real promise for transformative change.”
~ Amin Mawji,
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE),
AKDN Resident Representative for Kenya & Uganda,
member of the Board of Trustees of the Aga Khan University,
former Senior Partner at Ernst & Young, UK,
former non-Executive Director UK Trade & Industry Board and the Board of UK Export Finance,
former President of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Council for the UK,
Kampala, Uganda – April 23, 2025
About the Kingdom of Buganda
Location of Buganda (red) in Uganda (pink). Image credit: Wikipedia
Buganda is a Bantu kingdom within Uganda. The kingdom of the Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day East Africa, consisting of Uganda’s Central Region, including the Ugandan capital Kampala.
In 1967, Uganda’s first Prime Minister Milton Obote declared Uganda a republic, abolished all monarchs, parliament became the constituent assembly and later all political parties were outlawed, except UPC.
Following years of political turmoil, the kingdom that largely occupies a ceremonial role was officially restored in 1993 by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement under Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda since 1986.
Since the restoration of the kingdom in 1993, the King of Buganda, known as the Kabaka, has been Muwenda Mutebi II. He is recognized as the 36th Kabaka of Buganda.
Research, Translation, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali
Be the First to Know – Join Ismailimail
Get breaking news related to the Ismaili Imamat, the world wide Ismaili Muslim community and all their creativity, endeavors and successes.
Inspired? Share the story
Want to inspire? Send your stories to us at Ismailimail@gmail.com
Be the First to Know – Join Ismailimail
Ismailimail 