Nakawa, Kampala: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday commissioned the new $23.8 million (about UGX 85 billion) Aga Khan University and flagged off the construction of the Aga Khan Teaching Hospital, pledging government protection for private and foreign investors in Uganda.
The President assured the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that Uganda’s legal framework guarantees safety for their investments. “We are committed to ensuring a thriving private sector by providing an enabling environment that fosters business growth,” Museveni said.
He commended the Aga Khan Development Network for its latest contribution, noting that the new university boasts smart lecture facilities, a simulation laboratory, a modern library, and a multipurpose auditorium. “The presence of the Aga Khan University and Hospital will bridge the service gap in the health and education sectors,” he remarked.
The government allocated 60 acres of land in Nakawa for the joint venture with AKDN, which will establish a specialized teaching hospital alongside the university.
Mr Museveni, however, warned investors to remain vigilant against corruption, urging them to “report government officials who try to extort money or demand shares in companies.”
At the event, the President honoured His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award and Princess Zahra Aga Khan with the Grand Commander Award, recognizing AKDN’s long-standing socio-economic contributions to Uganda.
The First Lady and Honorable Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, hailed the partnership as a milestone. “The NRM Government has generously provided 60 acres of land, while the Aga Khan University brings expertise, experience and immense investment. We are truly grateful for this effort,” she said, emphasizing government’s policy of expanding university education to boost human capital development.
Maama Janet further noted Uganda’s progress in expanding higher education, from one public university to 10 public universities and 48 private universities, citing new facilities such as laboratories, libraries and upgraded halls at Makerere University and other institutions. “This partnership is another milestone in promoting quality education in the area of health care,” she said.
His Highness Aga Khan V expressed gratitude, stating that the project reflects “the power and design to support the quest for knowledge,” while assuring that AKU and the planned hospital will foster close collaboration with Uganda’s public sector.
The Aga Khan University President, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, thanked Museveni for his support. “Your Excellency, you have always told us that we need education for the economic transformation of the country,” he said.
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