Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
Last updated: September 13, 2025 (17:28 EDT). Click HERE FOR LATEST UPDATE
NOTE: Please visit this page frequently for updates.
SUMMARY: Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, landed at Entebbe Airport on the evening of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to commence his three-day visit to Uganda at the invitation of President Museveni. He was later received by the President at State House Entebbe. On September 11, Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Museveni unveiled the plaque of the new Aga Khan University Campus. On Friday, September 12, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the Uganda Jamat and the Ismaili youth with Didars at the landmark Kampala Darkhana Jamatkhana and Kololo Jamatkhana, respectively. This is his first visit to Uganda as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, a community that has been a part of Uganda’s rich cultural fabric for over a century.
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Uganda
For quick access to our updates posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
- September 12, 2025: Video: The Ismaili Update Part 4: His Highness the Aga Khan meets multi-faith members and institutional members
- September 12, 2025: Video, the Ismaili Update Part 3: His Highness the Aga Khan gives Didar to Uganda’s Ismaili community and youth
- September 12, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses his followers in Uganda with a Didar
- September 11, 2025: Video, the Ismaili Update Part 2: Inauguration of AKU Campus and Honours to His Highness the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra
- September 11, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan conferred with Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master)
- September 11, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and President Museveni inaugurate AKU Campus Facilities
- September 11, 2025: Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 2nd day in Uganda
- September 10, 2025: Video, the Ismaili Update Part 1: Arrival and Welcome at State House Entebbe by President Museveni
- September 10, 2025: His HigHness the Aga Khan is received by President Museveni at State house
- September 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives at Entebbe Airport to cheerful mood
- September 10, 2025: Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1st day in Uganda
- September 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives today (pre-arrival stories)
- September 5, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and President Museveni to inaugurate stunning new AKU Campus
- August 21, 2025: Message from the Aga Khan Ismaili Council President
- August 17, 2025: Ismaili youth prepare for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar
- August 13, 2025: Intezar Poem
- July 25: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit and preparations
- A Perennial Supplication (Ginanic verses)
September 12, 2025: Ismaili Update 4 — His Highness the Aga Khan meets multi-faith members and institutional members
After blessing his spiritual children with Didar, His Highness the Aga Khan met with multi-faith family members and Ismaili institutional members, before departing Uganda.
___________________
September 12, 2025: Ismaili Update 3 — His Highness the Aga Khan gives Didar to the Jamat and Youth of the Ismaili community
On the third and final day of his eventful visit to Uganda, His Highness the Aga Khan graciously granted a Didar to the Uganda Jamat at Kampala’s historic Darkhana Jamatkhana, followed by a Didar to the Ismaili youth at Kampala’s Kololo Jamatkhana. This special edition of the Ismaili Update highlights the two joyous meetings of His Highness with his followers and informs us about the unique and thoughtful gift presented to him.
___________________
September 12, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses his spiritual children in Uganda with a historic Didar
The historic Darkhana Jamatkhana in Kampala was the site of a milestone moment on September 12, 2025, as Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, graced his Ismaili followers (Jamat) in Uganda with Didar (lit. a glimpse, a special occasion where the Imam meets his followers). This visit, like his previous Jamati Didar visits, is a testament to the profound spiritual bond each Ismaili shares with their Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam conveyed guidance and blessings to the Jamat across the world, and expressed thanks to volunteers for their efforts to organise the visit. He showered blessings on the Jamat and reminded us of his immense love and affection. Hazar Imam later granted a Didar to young members of the Jamat at Kololo Jamatkhana in Kampala.
Arzina Kurji, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, delivered a welcome address, and the Mukhi of Kampala Darkhana submitted bayʿa (oath of allegiance) to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat.
A gift was presented to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat: Two miniature paintings from a manuscript of prayers and hadiths, believed to originate from 18th-century Ottoman Turkey. They depict the Prophet Muhammad and Mawlana Ali (peace be upon them) with companions and leaders of the community, respectively.
~~~~~~~~
To celebrate the happy occasion, the Jamat prepared an art installation entitled Saba’ Turuq Ila an-Nur, or Seven Paths to the Light. The display represents the collective journey of the Jamat, migrating from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, the Middle East, East Africa, Europe, Canada, the UK, and the USA — coming together as one family in Uganda.
Drawing inspiration from the 12th-century poem The Conference of the Birds by Persian poet Farid al-Din Attar, the installation reflects the journey of the individual while affirming a shared identity within a larger, interconnected community. Seven valleys are expressed through symbolic forms—hands, globes, hearts, leaves, and feathers—constructed from a blend of recycled paper, foam, cloth, recyclable plywood, metal, natural acrylic pigments, and the living greenery of Uganda. This choice of materials not only added a unique texture to the installation but also connects us to the environmental cause we are committed to. Upon these forms, members of the Jamat of all ages inscribed pledges to care for the environment and to serve the Imam and his Jamat.
_____________________
September 12, 2025: Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 3rd day in Uganda
External coverage: Please click on the following link(s) for reports of His Highness the Aga Khan’s third day in Uganda:
Post by the Ismaili on X
__________________
September 11, 2025: (1) The Ismaili Update Part 2 — Inauguration of the AKU Campus and Honours for His Highness the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra
The second day of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Uganda was a momentous occasion, with the inauguration of three new buildings at the Aga Khan University campus in Kampala. These new structures signify a bright future for the university and its students. Watch the highlights in the following Ismaili Update, Part 2, video (7:44 minutes long).
_________________
September 11, 2025: (2) President Museveni confers His Highness the Aga Khan with Uganda’s Highest Civilian Award
n a seamless continuation of the legacy of the Ismaili Imamat, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the successor of Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, was on Thursday September 11, 2025, conferred by President Museveni with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master) for his distinguished services to Uganda and his leadership in advancing social and economic development activities. The Ismaili Imamat and AKDN’s enduring partnership with Uganda was previously recognised when Mawlana Shah Karim received the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa from President Museveni in October 2017 during his visit to Uganda for its 55th Independence Day festivities.
~~~~~~~~
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s sister, Princess Zahra, was also honoured with the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Commander) in recognition of her long-standing contributions to health, education and women’s empowerment.
The award ceremony coincided with the inauguration of the new Aga Khan University Campus — see report below — where significant new investments in higher education and healthcare were unveiled. Her Excellency the First Lady, the Honourable Janet Museveni, was also present at the award ceremony along with Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.
____________________
September 11, 2025: (3) His Highness the Aga Khan and President Museveni inaugurate new buildings at Aga Khan University Campus
Post by President Museveni on X
~~~~~~~~
The first of the following videos posted on YouTube was the livestream of the inauguration of the buildings at the Aga Khan University Campus. It includes past memories and the background of the AKU facilities. The length of the transmission was more than 3 hours. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s speech starts shortly after the 2:08 hour mark.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~
September 11, 2025: (4) Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 2nd day in Uganda
External coverage: Please click on the following link(s) for reports of His Highness the Aga Khan’s second day visit to Uganda as published in the media:
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam awarded Uganda’s highest civilian honour and opens new AKU campus in Kampala
- Monitor: Museveni honours Aga Khan family for big footprint in health, education
- Monitor: We’re bringing services closer to the needy, says Aga Khan V
- PML Daily: Museveni hails Aga Khan partnership as Uganda secures landmark education, health investment
- AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan receives Uganda’s highest civilian honour and opens AKU Kampala campus
- Mulengera News: Tayebwa Eulogises Aga Khan, Praises His Contribution to Uganda
- ChimprReports: Museveni Awards 2 Prestigious Awards to Aga Khan V
- AKDN: Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at AKU and AKUH Kampala
- AKDN: Speech by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at AKU and AKUH Kampala
- AKDN: Speech by Her Excellency Janet Museveni at AKU and AKUH Kampala
- AKDN: Speech by President Sulaiman Shahabuddin at AKU and AKUH Kampala
- Biz Today: Aga Khan University Launches Landmark Campus in Uganda, Marking Its Largest Expansion Since 1983
___________________
September 10, 2025: (1) The Ismaili Update Part 1 — arrival and state house visit
Aleena Karmali provides highlights of His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival in Uganda on September 10, 2025 and his visit to State house Entebbe where he and his family were received by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni.
___________________
September 10, 2025: (2) President Museveni and First Lady welcome His Highness the Aga Khan to State House
His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady Janet Museveni received His Highness the Aga Khan at State House Entebbe. The 50th Hereditary Ismaili Imam was accompanied by his sister Princess Zahra, his brother Prince Aly Muhammad, members and leaders of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network. His discussion with the President centred on the long-standing partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and Uganda, and shared priorities for future cooperation.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
President Museveni’s posts on X on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Uganda and visit to the State House
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
YouTube video of His Highness the Aga Khan at State House Entebbe
_________________
September 10, 2025: (3) His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Uganda
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, accompanied by his sister, Princess Zahra, and his brother Prince Aly Muhammad, arrived in Uganda on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to commence his three-day visit. He was greeted at Entebbe International Airport by Dr Jane Aceng, Minister of Health; Arzina Kurji, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda; and Amin Mawji, AKDN Representative to Uganda.
Hazar Imam reviewed a guard of honour, shortly before a military band performed the National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah. Members of the Ismaili community lined the streets outside Entebbe International Airport to await Hazar Imam’s motorcade.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~
YouTube Video of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Arrival in Uganda
Posted by NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor on ‘X’
(Note: Some of the video coverage by Uganda’s official media is unedited)
~~~~~~~~
The following unedited video is approximately 11 minutes long.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
_______________________
September 10, 2025: (4) Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1st day in Uganda
External coverage: Please click on the following link(s) for reports about His Highness the Aga Khan’s first day in Uganda as published in the media:
- Monitor: Aga Khan touches where it matters most in health, education
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Uganda
- Eagle Online: Germany backs €16.8m Aga Khan University expansion in Kampala
- Nile Post: Aga Khan Arrives in Uganda for Official Visit
- AKDN: Aga Khan makes first official visit to Uganda
- Softpower News: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Uganda for official visit
_______________________
Pre-visit reports and information
September 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives today; and livestreaming announcement of aku FUNCTIONS September 11
The Monitor reports in its September 10th edition that Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, is expected to arrive in Uganda today (September 10) to inaugurate the new Aga Khan University Campus in Nakawa and officially launch the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital on September 11. The newspaper also has the story Museveni to launch the Aga Khan University. Please click on the Monitor links for the reports.
Livestreaming Announcement
The events will be livestreamed on https://livestream.aku.edu/ and Ismaili.tv.
~~~~~~~~
More coverage about the AKU campus launch in the media:
- New Vision : Museveni set to launch new Aga Khan University campus in Nakawa
- Daily Express: Museveni to launch Aga Khan University, new specialist hospital in Kampala
__________________
September 5, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and President Yoweri Museveni will preside over a ceremony to launch new Aga Khan University Campus, September 11, 2025
Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam steadfastly carries forward the vision of his father, Mawlana Shah Karim
As Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, prepares to undertake a three-day official visit to Uganda from September 10 to 12, 2025, the first such visit to Uganda since he became the Imam on February 4, 2025, President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabudin of the Aga Khan University has issued an exciting memo dated September 5, 2025.
Addressed to the Faculty, Staff and Students of the Aga Khan University, and distributed to the University’s Global Community, his memo highlights events that will take place on September 11 in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam, the Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, Uganda’s President Hon. Yoweri Museveni, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the University’s Pro-Chancellor, Prince Aly Muhammad and the First Lady of Uganda.
Story continues below
Events on September 11 will include the launch of the stunning new Aga Khan University campus in Kampala, which is composed of a seven-storey University Centre, a nine-storey student housing building, and a four-storey ambulatory care building, the Nakawa Specialty Medical Centre. The event will also mark the commencement of the construction of the new Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala.
President Shahabudin has reiterated the central vision of the 49th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, and Ugandan President, H.E. Yoweri Museveni, that the Aga Khan University and its Hospital would create meaningful public and private partnerships. He states that this is evident by the location of the new campus, which will enable AKU to engage with the local community and develop close working relationships for joint research, the delivery of academic programs, and healthcare services. The campus will also be part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s integrated healthcare and education system in East Africa.
As we eagerly count down to the arrival of Mawlana Hazar Imam, the significance of his visit continues to grow in our hearts and minds, a testament to our love, affection and the respect we hold for our beloved Imam.
This momentous visit will be covered through regular updates in Barakah and the official website of the Ismaili community, The.Ismaili.
The AKU President has assured us that the ceremony of September 11 will be livestreamed on AKU’s website, AKU Global YouTube and Facebook pages, as well as Ismaili TV.
To read the complete memo of President Shahabudin in PDF format, please click HERE.
~~~~~~~~
External coverage: Please click on the following link(s) for background news related to the groundbreaking ceremony of the Aga Khan Hospital that will take place on September 11, 2025.
NTV UGANDA: THE AGA KHAN LEGACY
__________________
August 21, 2025: Message from the President of His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Uganda
….the blessing of Didar is a priceless gift, one that will uplift our hearts, illuminate our minds, and touch our souls. Poet Da‘i Nasir Khusraw writes in his Dīwān: “When the light of the Imam of the time shone upon my soul, Even though I was dark as night, I became the glorious sun.“ Excerpt from President Arzina Kurji’s message
The following is a message to members of the Jamat from Arzina Kurji, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Uganda (read message at source HERE):
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is with the deepest joy and immense gratitude that I join you in celebrating this historic occasion of our Beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam’s first visit to Uganda as the 50th Imam, continuing the legacy of The Rope of Imamat. We are honored that this visit comes at the gracious invitation of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, deepening the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between the Imamat and its institutions, and our nation.
For the Jamat, the blessing of Didar is a priceless gift, one that will uplift our hearts, illuminate our minds, and touch our souls. Poet Da‘i Nasir Khusraw writes in his Dīwān: “When the light of the Imam of the time shone upon my soul, Even though I was dark as night, I became the glorious sun.“
As One Jamat, let us prepare ourselves — body, mind, heart, and soul — to experience this Didar with humility, dignity, and boundless love. Let this also be an opportunity to reaffirm our Bayyah and embody the noble values our Imam inspires in us: unity, compassion, excellence, service to humanity, and stewardship of the natural world entrusted to our care.
On behalf of the entire leadership and the Jamat, we offer our humble Shukrana to our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam for his continuous guidance and pray that the visit is blessed with success and that every Murid’s wishes are fulfilled.
We would also like to thank all the volunteers who are working with dedication and selflessness to make the Didar memorable for the entire Jamat.
May this historic occasion leave us elevated in faith, knowledge, service, and spirit.
Ya Ali Madad, and Mubaraki to each and every one of you.
___________________
August 17, 2025: Hunafa – Ismaili Youth Prepare for the Didar of Mawlana Hazar Imam
On August 17, 2025, over 130 Ismaili youth of Uganda gathered for Hunafa — The Community of Truth, a truly transformative youth day camp organized by ITREB. This inspiring event not only sparked a deeper spiritual understanding of our faith but also led to significant personal growth as the youth prepared to warmly welcome Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, Hazar Imam. Through engaging sessions and activities, participants explored core themes of faith, unity, and service, each individual’s spiritual journey contributing to the collective growth of the Jamat (read more about Hunafa at source HERE).
___________________
August 13, 2025: Intezar — a poem in anticipation of the Didar of Mawlana Shah Rahim Al HussainI Hazar Imam
The Jamat in Uganda, united as one, will come together for the profound experience of the Didar of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan when hs visits Uganda from Septemeber 10-12, 2025. Nairobi’s Shariffa Keshavjee had submitted the following poem in anticipation of his visit to Kenya from August 10-12, 2025, which we republish for the Uganda visit.
___________________
By SHARIFFA KESHAVJEE (KENYA)
An inner anticipation
Only Intezar can explain
A pulse, a momentum
Is building up in the heart
In our minds, our spirit
Is agog with a longing
What is the Intezar
A two way silence
The premises once plain
Now glittering in splendour
Our love exuding from every pore
Embedded in the very earth
And in the hearts of murids
This Intezar
A silent prayer
So many countries, towns
The old and babes in arms
Preparation is in motion
A movement a silent notion
A fertile spirit in Zikr all day
Meeting to enforce our love
This Intezar
A silent tribute
Our Murshid approaches
Steady footsteps unheard
Magnetic field felt unseen
Words subside tears well up
Salwats rise to the dome
To the sky to the universe
This Intezar
One universe
Then the world stands still
The very silence is pregnant
The ocean of grace opens up
A sacred space contains all
The murid and Murshid unite
In one universal symphony
The intezar
Now Didar manifest
No diamond can glitter thus
Blinding thoughts of dunya
Only the inner world of Din
In now manifest in the heart
Murids now in supplication
To receive gems of wisdom
The Intezar
Completes its circle
At last
In supplication of gratitude
___________________
July 25, 2025 – Current: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Uganda and preparations
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, announced his visit to Uganda in a Talika read out in Jamatkhanas on or around Friday, July 25, 2025 (in Canada). Please see our special post on the announcement in Barakah’s News page, and read the announcement on the Ismaili website. The visit to Uganda will be his third in a series of visits to his Ismaili followers around the world. Mawlana Hazar Imam has expressed his strong desire and intention to travel extensively and meet with as many Jamats as possible in person. His first-ever meeting with his spiritual children took place during his visit to France, from July 10 to 13, 2025, and his second visit was to Kenya, which took place from August 25 to 27.
The Ismaili Institutions in Uganda have published the eligibility criteria for individuals to attend the Didar in Uganda. It also invited Jamati members who wish to serve in numerous roles as volunteers to register through the volunteers registration page. The deadline for volunteer registration was August 8.
_______________
Ginan: A perennial supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time from all his spiritual children worldwide
Transliteration
Eji, Aash Karine Ya Ali hun tere dar ubhi,
Kar jodine em mangu Ya Shah;
Dejo didar tusi mahavar datar Shah,
Hama tere charane lagu.
Translation
With hope I stand at Thy door,
O Ali! And sincerely beg of Thee;
Bless me with Thy Holy Didar,
O Great Lord and Benefactor!
At Thy Feet I fall to prostrate
and
O Exalted Islam Shah [Imam-of-the-Time]
Our Lord and Master of the Age,
To you our hearts devoutly supplicate,
O the Eternal King and Lord of our souls!
Grace us with your visit to the Indian Subcontinent
[The Imam’s base at the time was in Iran.]
O Ali! You are Eternal,
You are the Lord of Eternity.
You alone are the Knower of the End,
Of the End that has no End
(Verses from Venti Ginan and Anant Akhado composed by Pir Hasan Kabirdin during the 15th century)
Date posted: July 26, 2025.
Last updated: September 13, 2025.
________________
FEEDBACK AND Table of Contents
Before you leave, remember that Barakah’s editor, Malik, is here to assist yo u. If you have any questions or feedback, please scroll down to leave a comment or send an email to mmerchant@barakah.com. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the diverse and extensive content on Barakah’s Home Page or Table of Contents, with over 350 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. And don’t forget to visit our sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos. You can stay updated by following Malik on @Facebook, @X and @LinkedIn.
Barakah 
[…] Sources: Barakah: Aga Khan’s Visit to Uganda […]
LikeLike