World leaders mourn Aga Khan IV, the man who defined humanity
President Museveni chats with His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, after he paid a courtesy call on him at State House, Entebbe in 2007.
What you need to know:
- In death, as in life, His Highness Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV touched many lives across the globe. And that is why tributes from world leaders have been pouring in since the announcement that the man best known for his philanthropy and love for humanity had died on February 4, 2025.
William Ruto, President of Kenya
"He was an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable—through his charities in hospitals and schools."
Amin Mawji, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network
"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."
Charles Peter Mayiga, Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom
"The Kingdom of Buganda has cordial relations with the Ismaili Community. His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II has known the late Prince Al-Hussaini for years. We appreciate the Aga Khan’s humanness, extending significant social services and economic initiatives in Uganda and worldwide."
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
"He was a visionary who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development, and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him."
Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya
"As the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network and the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, he was a visionary leader whose partnership with Kenya greatly shaped our development journey."
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
"The Aga Khan devoted his life to peace and prosperity for all. He worked across continents and cultures to resolve the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty, education, and gender inequality. He was an extraordinary man of vision."
Raila Odinga, Ex-Prime Minister of Kenya
"His death is a heavy blow to the community of good deeds, compassionate humanitarianism, and works of faith. Kenya has benefited significantly from Aga Khan’s works and investment in human welfare, which will certainly live long since he is gone."
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN
"He was a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world. The Aga Khan’s leadership extended beyond his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths."
Amama Mbabazi, Ex-Prime Minister of Uganda
"In Uganda, his contributions to energy (Bujagali Hydro Power Plant), finance (Diamond Trust Bank), and other areas like tourism and media (The Nation Media Group, which publishes The Monitor newspaper) were profound."
Samia Suluhu, President of Tanzania
"We join in mourning the loss of a great leader and a visionary, whose work has touched and changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un."
Robert Kyagulanyi, National Unity Platform Leader
"His Highness the Aga Khan devoted his life to the service of others. His efforts touched the lives of millions in the areas of education, healthcare, and more. He believed in and invested in a free press and extended employment opportunities to so many people. The world is poor without him."
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate
"I pass on my deepest condolences to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world."
