Speech by Peter Primus
German Representative
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Chancellor, Aga Khan University
Honourable First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Museveni
Secretary General of the East African Community H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva
Vice Chancellor and President of the Aga Khan University, Dr. Shahabuddin
Ambassador Amin Mawji
Distinguished Representatives of the Government of Uganda
Esteemed Members of the Aga Khan University Team
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour to stand before you today at the Aga Khan University campus in Kampala for the inauguration of two significant buildings—landmarks that symbolize a remarkable investment in the future of East Africa.
Allow me to begin with a personal note. I arrived in Kampala just a few weeks ago. As is often the case in a new city, one looks for landmarks—buildings that stand out, and help you find your orientation. I believe you will agree with me when I say that the Aga Khan University buildings are just a new and striking landmark in Kampala. They now rise proudly into the skyline of Kampala—visible symbols of vision, excellence, and commitment. And indeed, they are something we can all be proud of.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to speak on this important day, and for the many years of fruitful cooperation since 2012 in this project, between the Government of Uganda, the East African Community, the Aga Khan Network and the Government of Germany. Together, we have made real strides toward shared goals, and I am confident that this partnership will continue to flourish as we work for a better, more inclusive future.
Today is a milestone—not just for Aga Khan University—but for the entire East African region. The investment of 16.8 million euros by the German government, through the German Development Bank (KfW), reflects our deep commitment to improving education and employment prospectives in the region.
These new buildings will provide vital facilities for training nursing and midwifery students—future healthcare professionals who are essential to addressing the region’s pressing health challenges. The demand for well-trained health care workers has never been higher. This institution will prepare a new generation of compassionate, skilled practitioners ready to deliver quality care in communities across East Africa.
In parallel, these buildings will also serve as a hub for aspiring journalists at the Graduate School of Media and Communications. In an age of rapid digital change and growing demand for trusted quality information, journalism is more important than ever. The graduates of this program will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant, professional, and pluralistic media landscape.
Together, these facilities represent a powerful commitment to quality education, both in healthcare and media—two pillars essential to sustainable development. They reflect our shared belief that education is the foundation of strong institutions and thriving societies. Hence, I am deeply grateful to the Government of Uganda for providing a home for the Aga Khan University here in Kampala.
Your Excellency, President Museveni, we know this campus would not have been possible without your personal engagement. The land provided by the government has been transformed into a safe haven at the heart of the city—a space of peace, purpose, and learning. As one walks through the campus gates, one feels a sense of calm and inspiration as we could witness before. It is a place where minds and hearts can grow.
In conclusion, today’s inauguration is a testimony to the strong and enduring partnership between Germany, the East African Community, and Uganda. It is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together, with a shared vision and mutual respect. Germany remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster human development, economic growth, and social inclusion across the region.
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all who made this day possible—the Government of Uganda, the East African Community, His Highness the Aga Khan and the Aga Khan Development Network, the Aga Khan University, and of course, the German Development Bank KfW. Your dedication, your vision, and your hard work have created a foundation that will benefit generations to come.
Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for skills development, opportunity, and growth across East Africa.
Thank you.
