By The world mourns the loss of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, who passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, to Prince Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller, Prince Karim spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, fostering a lifelong connection to East Africa. He received his education at Le Rosey School in Switzerland and later at Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history. At the age of 20, following the passing of his grandfather, Aga Khan III, he assumed the role of Imam of the Ismaili community, dedicating his life to the spiritual and material well-being of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
Beyond his spiritual leadership, the Aga Khan was a visionary philanthropist. In 1967, he established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture and the environment. Operating in over 30 countries, AKDN invests nearly $1 billion annually in development projects, reflecting his commitment to improving the quality of life for people in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
In Uganda, the Aga Khan’s contributions have been transformative. The AKDN has been instrumental in various sectors, including economic development, education, and healthcare. Notably, the Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Station in Jinja, developed by a consortium led by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, supplies nearly half of Uganda’s electricity, significantly bolstering the nation’s infrastructure.
His Highness’s relationship with Uganda was further highlighted during the country’s 55th independence anniversary on October 9, 2017, in Bushenyi District. On this occasion, President Yoweri Museveni awarded the Aga Khan the ‘Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa, The Grandmaster,’ in recognition of his decades-long contributions to Uganda’s development.
The Aga Khan’s legacy also extends to the media sector in East Africa. He founded the Nation Media Group, which has become one of the region’s most influential media conglomerates, promoting independent journalism and informed discourse.
Globally, the Aga Khan was known for his passion for horse racing, owning several champion racehorses, including the legendary Shergar. His diverse interests and commitments underscored a life dedicated to excellence and service.
An official statement from the Aga Khan Development Network emphasized his lifelong dedication to a compassionate and tolerant interpretation of Islam, highlighting his efforts to uphold the dignity of humankind. The announcement of his successor, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, is anticipated following the reading of his will in the coming days.
As the world reflects on the profound impact of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, his enduring contributions to global development, cultural understanding, and spiritual guidance remain a testament to his extraordinary life and vision.
