President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Kataha Museveni on Thursday inaugurated the $23.8 million Aga Khan University in Uganda and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Aga Khan Teaching Hospital at Nakawa.
Speaking at the event, President Museveni assured private and foreign investors of government protection, pledging legislation that guarantees the safety of their investments in Uganda.
He applauded the Aga Khan Development Agency (AKDN) for its longstanding contribution to Uganda’s growth, recalling the positive impact of Ismaili and Aga Khan investments in the 1950s before the 1970s expulsion of foreigners crippled the economy.
“Uganda is committed to providing an enabling environment that fosters business and investment. With projects like this, we are bridging service gaps in education and health while strengthening our economy,” Museveni said.
The new university boasts smart lecture halls, a simulation laboratory, a modern library, and a multipurpose auditorium.
The government allocated 60 acres of land at Nakawa for the project in partnership with AKDN to establish a specialized teaching hospital and university aimed at improving service delivery in critical fields.
During the ceremony, President Museveni presented two of Uganda’s highest honors to members of the Aga Khan family. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V received the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award, while Princess Zahra Aga Khan was awarded the Grand Commander Medal, in recognition of AKDN’s contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
Museveni also paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataha Museveni commended the milestone, noting that Uganda now has 10 public and 48 private universities, significantly improving access to higher education.
She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships like the one with AKDN in raising the quality of education and challenged universities to enhance research, innovation, and intellectual discourse.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing Uganda’s education and health gaps, stressing that the new university will reduce the need for “education tourism” abroad.
“This investment will train high-quality human resources, enhance research, and close technology gaps, while also tackling the disease burden in Uganda and East Africa,” he said.
The Aga Khan Teaching Hospital, once completed, is expected to serve as a regional center of excellence in healthcare and medical training.
