The global Ismaili community and the world mourn the loss of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, the Aga Khan led over 12 million Ismailis for 67 years, following his grandfather’s legacy. His Imamat was the longest in Ismaili history, marked by his devotion to both spiritual guidance and global development.
Beyond religious leadership, the Aga Khan was a visionary philanthropist who reshaped communities worldwide. Through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his investments spanned social, economic, and cultural sectors, including notable contributions to Uganda’s growth. Key projects like the Bujagali Hydropower Plant, West Nile Rural Electrification, and Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries have had a lasting impact on Uganda’s infrastructure and industry.
As per Ismaili tradition, the Aga Khan’s successor will be announced after the reading of his Will in Lisbon, ensuring the continuity of the Imamat, a line dating back 1,400 years to Prophet Muhammad.
In his own words: “As soon as one Imam passes away, his successor takes on from the very minute the Imam has passed away.” This continuity of spiritual leadership remains a cornerstone of the Ismaili faith.
Through AKDN, the Aga Khan’s influence was felt not only in Uganda but in numerous other countries, fostering economic development, educational initiatives, and healthcare improvements.
