Kampala, 11 September 2025
Mawlana Hazar Imam was conferred with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa, Uganda’s highest civilian honour, by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development.
Princess Zahra was also honoured with the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa in recognition of her long-standing contributions to health, education and women’s empowerment.
Her Excellency the First Lady, Honourable Janet Museveni, was also present at the ceremony along with Prince Aly Muhammad.
The award ceremony coincided with the official opening of the first phase of AKU’s 60-acre Kampala campus in Nakawa. Facilities include a seven-storey University Centre, a nine-storey student housing building accommodating 164 students, and a four-storey ambulatory care facility, the Nakawa Specialty Medical Centre. All three new buildings have received EDGE advanced certification for their energy efficiency.
At full capacity, the campus will host 100 faculty and 700 students, including Uganda’s first cohort of students in AKU’s new four-year Bachelor of Nursing Science programme, which begins later this month. This builds on the foundation of AKU’s nursing programmes that have graduated more than 1,500 Ugandan nurses through its earlier degree and diploma programmes.
“This investment in AKU’s new academic and student housing facilities, together with its hospital, embody the belief of our late father, which I share, that Ugandans deserve the very best access to international quality higher education and health care,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam. “The University’s campuses across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda create an integrated system to share knowledge and expertise, and allow the mobility of faculty and students across the region.” Read full speech
Built on land generously provided by the Government of Uganda, construction has been made possible through the support of AKDN, generous donors, and funding from the German Government’s BMZ and KfW.
The Nakawa campus is among the most significant investments that AKU has made anywhere in its history. Equipped with the latest technology, the University Centre is designed to foster teamwork and inspiration through its well-lit open spaces, bursts of colour, and sweeping views; while the new Student Residence includes a gym, cafeteria, lounges and rooftop terrace to nurture friendships and wellness. Both the interior and exterior design reflect elements of Ugandan culture.
“Our journey in Kampala is just beginning,” said AKU President and Vice Chancellor Sulaiman Shahabuddin. “No matter how much AKU may evolve, this moment, today, will always hold a special place in its history. Every future achievement of the Aga Khan University in Uganda will be built upon the foundations laid here in Nakawa—by the visionaries, partners, and friends who made this dream a reality.”
“I thank you for building this world-class centre where the classrooms are digitally connected and they’re using high tech for education,” said President Museveni. “We’re also happy about launching the hospital.” Read full speech
Today also marked the commencement of construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala. The 101-bed teaching hospital will expand access to world-class care across nearly two dozen specialties and train the healthcare specialists the country urgently needs. Once complete, the hospital will form part of an integrated AKDN health and education system in East Africa.
“I look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership,” said First Lady Janet Museveni, “as we wait in anticipation for the University’s scholars to deepen our understanding of the causes of health and illness, making this not only a centre of excellence, but a place of intellectual discovery, research and innovation.” Read full speech
“In an age of rapid digital change and growing demand for trusted quality information, journalism is more important than ever,” said Mr Primus, Deputy German Ambassador to Uganda. “The graduates of this programme will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant, professional and pluralistic media landscape.” Read full speech
The graduates of this programme will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant, professional and pluralistic media landscape.”
AKU already operates four medical centres in Kampala, established in 2012, with a referral pathway to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. More than 1,500 Ugandan nurses have graduated from AKU’s degree and diploma programmes, and a further 7,000 educators, health professionals, journalists and communicators have benefitted from its short courses and certificate programmes. Alumni today serve in leadership positions across Uganda’s health, education, media, and public sectors.
More information at Aga Khan Development Network and The.Ismaili
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