Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader and Media Mogul, Dies at 88
By Spurb Ernest
Aga Khan ran a wide range of business interests in region from education and health, including the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, one of the most impactful health facilities in the region
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims and a key investor in Uganda’s media and education sectors, has passed away at the age of 88.
A statement from the Aga Khan Development Network confirmed that the billionaire philanthropist died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Aga Khan IV, who was regarded as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.
Over the decades, he built a vast global network that extended across 30 countries, including Uganda, with investments spanning media, education, banking, and healthcare.
Ugandans will remember him for his deep imprint on the country’s media and education sectors.
He was the founder of the Nation Media Group, which owns Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, among other outlets.
Through these platforms, he played a crucial role in shaping Uganda’s media landscape, fostering press freedom and professional journalism.
Beyond media, his impact was also felt in education. The Aga Khan Schools in Kampala have been a pillar of quality education, providing internationally recognized curricula that have benefited generations of Ugandan students.
His commitment to education also extended to higher learning institutions under the Aga Khan University.
His investments stretched into banking and insurance, with Diamond Trust Bank and Jubilee Insurance operating in Uganda under the wider Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). These institutions have contributed significantly to Uganda’s financial sector, offering services that have supported businesses and individuals alike.
The Aga Khan’s influence was not only financial but also philanthropic. The Aga Khan Development Network has spearheaded various projects in Uganda, focusing on health, cultural preservation, and rural development, in line with his lifelong mission of improving the quality of life for communities regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins,” the AKDN statement read.
His last known visit to the region was during his Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2018, marking 60 years of his leadership.
Aga Khan IV was also known for his personal interests in horse breeding, luxury travel, and real estate. His wealth, estimated to be between $800 million and $13 billion, made him one of the world’s most influential philanthropists and investors.