OFFICIAL UGANDA GOLDEN JUBILEE WEBSITE: http://www.goldenjubileeuganda.com/
date: Uganda: 19-23 August.
Possible Didar date: 23rd August
UGANDA Didar date, events and testimonies
Aga Khan to launch Bujagali project
Sunday, 12th August, 2007
By Joyce Namutebi
HIS Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will launch the Bujagali hydropower project. This will be part of the celebrations to mark his 50 years of leadership this month.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Daudi Migereko, yesterday said the IPS Group of Companies, the economic arm of the Aga Khan group, is one of the sponsors of the project.
The construction of the power dam kicked-off in Jinja and the project is expected to be completed in 44 months.
His Highness will also lay the foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy.
The Aga Khan will visit Kenya and Tanzania as he marks his golden jubilee.
He was scheduled to arrive in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, yesterday, according to the Aga Khan Development Network.
"In the Ismaili tradition, the Imam's jubilee celebrations offer occasions to launch new social, cultural and economic development projects," the statement said.
While in Kenya, the Aga Khan is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Faculty of Health Sciences of the East Africa chapter of the Aga Khan University, as well as the residential campus for the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
He will also meet members of the Ismaili community and top government officials, the statement added.
He is also expected to address the East African Community Summit in Arusha, Tanzania and inspect projects funded by the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
He is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, comprising of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world.
He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/581017
Sunday, 12th August, 2007
By Joyce Namutebi
HIS Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will launch the Bujagali hydropower project. This will be part of the celebrations to mark his 50 years of leadership this month.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Daudi Migereko, yesterday said the IPS Group of Companies, the economic arm of the Aga Khan group, is one of the sponsors of the project.
The construction of the power dam kicked-off in Jinja and the project is expected to be completed in 44 months.
His Highness will also lay the foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy.
The Aga Khan will visit Kenya and Tanzania as he marks his golden jubilee.
He was scheduled to arrive in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, yesterday, according to the Aga Khan Development Network.
"In the Ismaili tradition, the Imam's jubilee celebrations offer occasions to launch new social, cultural and economic development projects," the statement said.
While in Kenya, the Aga Khan is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Faculty of Health Sciences of the East Africa chapter of the Aga Khan University, as well as the residential campus for the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
He will also meet members of the Ismaili community and top government officials, the statement added.
He is also expected to address the East African Community Summit in Arusha, Tanzania and inspect projects funded by the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
He is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, comprising of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world.
He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/581017
Date of GJ Didar at Kampala
YAM to all,
Can anyone please update/inform me about exact Didar date for Uganda.
23rd is final date? is there any changes? please post if there is any updates.
thanks
Can anyone please update/inform me about exact Didar date for Uganda.
23rd is final date? is there any changes? please post if there is any updates.
thanks
Bujagali is Aga Khan's largest single infrastructure investment worldwide
MARTIN SSEBUYIRA & DAVID HERBERT
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan will be in Uganda from August 19 to 23 as part of a tour celebrating his Golden Jubilee as the spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. Besides his spiritual role, the Aga Khan is involved in several development initiatives worldwide through the Aga Khan Development Network. Jan Ajwang spoke to Mr Mahmood H. Ahmed, the resident representative of the AKDN, about the visit and network's mission in Uganda: -
Why would the Aga Khan visit Uganda during his Golden Jubilee celebrations?
This year marks 50 years since His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan became spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, after his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan.
All over the world the Ismaili community asked His Highness if they could mark his Golden Jubilee with a celebration, and also use this opportunity to appreciate his efforts in improving the conditions of humanity. Many celebrations and activities are accordingly taking place this year to commemorate this Golden Jubilee worldwide.
In the same way, the governments of East African countries are recognising His Highness' work by inviting him to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. During his visit, he will be engaged in a number of proceedings, including meetings with the President.
His Highness will also be hosting two major events which will involve a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Aga Khan Academy, a new centre of academic excellence in Munyonyo and, also, a ceremony at Bujagali near Jinja, where President Museveni will lay a foundation stone for the hydropower project.
We at the AKDN and the Ismaili community in Uganda very much appreciate the government's recognition of this Golden Jubilee by inviting His Highness to Uganda. It is a time of honour for both the nation and the Ismaili community. We hope, therefore, that many Ugandans will celebrate his arrival and his visit here, and that they will be enthusiastic in celebrating his work over the past 50 years.
The Golden Jubilee is also a time when we can anticipate new developments and advances in the engagements of AKDN in Uganda. In the jubilees of His Highness' grandfather, the Jubilee Insurance Company and Diamond Trust Bank were founded. As mentioned previously, the laying of foundation stones at the forthcoming Aga Khan Academy and the Bujagali project, both of which will be prominent Ugandan landmarks, will take place this year.
What does the Aga Khan Development Network do?
It is the world's largest private development agency and is active in large parts of the developing world including South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. The AKDN is engaged in three principal areas of development: economic development, social development and cultural development.
Many of the AKDN's companies and institutions were founded by His Highness' grandfather and have, therefore, been in existence for many decades. In Uganda these long-standing institutions include the Aga Khan Schools, Diamond Trust Bank, and Jubilee Insurance Company.
Other more recent projects are Uganda Fishnet Manufacturers, Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries, the hides and skins tannery, and the West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECO), which is generating 18 hours of electricity per day, and has improved the quality of life for rural populations.
Next year, WENRECO will bring into use the Nyagak "mini" Hydro Power Plant near Paidha. This will reduce the cost of power for these rural areas which presently rely on expensive oil-burning power facilities. It is a pilot project which, if successful, could be replicated in other regions of the country.
REPRESENTATIVE: Mr Ahmed (photo)
Then, of course, you have the well known Bujagali Hydro Power Project. Bujagali is a major undertaking and the largest single infrastructure investment of the AKDN worldwide. It is driven by the conviction that without a reliable and cheap source of power, the Ugandan economy will not be able to reach its full potential.
We have taken a risk which many more commercially driven investors would not take and believe that at its completion, the project will lead to a dependable and economical source of electricity and, hopefully, have a significant multiplier effect on Uganda's economy.
Then there are the hotel and tourism projects of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which in Uganda begun with the inauguration of the Kampala Serena Hotel last year.
Finally, there are the media interests which include the Daily Monitor newspaper, Kfm radio and the recently launched NTV television station which has brought the latest digital technology to Uganda and, I believe, is going to be a key player in broadcasting the Commonwealth Summit events coming up in November.
As you can see, during the past 50 years His Highness the Aga Khan has significantly expanded and deepened the activities of AKDN in East Africa. While we look at Eastern Africa as a region, we also focus on specific programmes within each country.
Many of the AKDN institutions in Uganda that I have described constitute part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which is the economic arm of the AKDN. Other institutions are part of the social development arm.
These include the Aga Khan Foundation, which is involved in various endeavours such as community based early childhood (or pre-school) education for both Muslim and non-Muslim children. This is focussed around the Madrasa Resource Centre for Early Childhood Development in Mengo, and many thousands of children have benefited from this successful project. It is being further extended to the West Nile region.
The Aga Khan Foundation also runs a project called "EUPEC", which works with poor and disadvantaged urban communities to enhance access to and quality of teaching in primary education. The company known as "Aga Khan Education Services" in Uganda operates the well known Aga Khan Schools which provide nursery, primary, and secondary education. Finally we have the Aga Khan University offering its advanced nursing training programmes to help working nurses upgrade their skills.
What is the basis for your operations in Uganda?
In 1989 His Highness met with President Museveni and they agreed on the restitution of properties that belonged to the AKDN, but had been confiscated during the Idi Amin era. President Museveni wanted to engage with parties that could assist Uganda in one way or another, and the AKDN was one of these. The Ugandan government made it more attractive for the AKDN to invest further, thereby enabling an expansion of our involvement in Uganda.
How about political development?
The AKDN is apolitical. AKDN policy is to improve the quality of life for all people where possible and, in part, this is by encouraging an environment which is conducive for economic development, and the growth of the private sector.
We encourage good governance because many lives can be improved through such means. Additionally, we help to strengthen awareness about the vital role of civil society in Uganda so people can become more involved in the decisions which affect the quality of their lives.
The AKDN in Uganda has diplomatic status. What exactly do you as resident representative do?
Since AKDN has significant engagements in Uganda, many of which have existed for decades, President Museveni signed an agreement with His Highness the Aga Khan in 2002. This agreement provided an opportunity for the AKDN to consolidate and, where appropriate, increase its involvement in Uganda. One element of these arrangements was the agreement with the Ugandan government that the AKDN could establish a diplomatic mission in Kampala.
My function as the resident representative of the AKDN in Uganda is to work with the different AKDN agencies and the government of Uganda so that we can, together, optimise our engagements here.
I also maintain the relationship of AKDN with various constituencies in Uganda, including the government, the academic community, civil society, the donor community, the business community, international organisations, the media and others. As far as we can see, the future of the AKDN in Uganda is bright.
How does the Aga Khan reconcile his activities in development alongside his role as a spiritual leader?
The leaders of our congregation lead their normal lives at the same time as playing a spiritual role in the community. There is no rigid separation between the material and the spiritual worlds as there is nothing inconsistent with a spiritual leader leading a worldly life in all its dimensions.
Would you consider his Highness the Aga Khan a philanthropist or a shrewd businessman?
Some observers of his work will consider him to be a philanthropist, while others perceive him as a businessman. However, I do not regard His Highness to be driven by either philanthropy or business. One way to understand this point of view is to reflect on the long tradition of His Highness' ancestors since the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who have consistently encouraged the improvement of conditions of living of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and upholding the dignity of mankind.
Looked at in this way, the AKDN may be seen as an endeavour by His Highness to seek the improvement of living conditions in three spheres of development: economic, social and cultural. In light of such a perspective, His Highness the Aga Khan is neither a philanthropist nor a businessman, but rather pursuing a mission which is centuries old.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news081710.php
MARTIN SSEBUYIRA & DAVID HERBERT
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan will be in Uganda from August 19 to 23 as part of a tour celebrating his Golden Jubilee as the spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. Besides his spiritual role, the Aga Khan is involved in several development initiatives worldwide through the Aga Khan Development Network. Jan Ajwang spoke to Mr Mahmood H. Ahmed, the resident representative of the AKDN, about the visit and network's mission in Uganda: -
Why would the Aga Khan visit Uganda during his Golden Jubilee celebrations?
This year marks 50 years since His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan became spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, after his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mohamed Shah Aga Khan.
All over the world the Ismaili community asked His Highness if they could mark his Golden Jubilee with a celebration, and also use this opportunity to appreciate his efforts in improving the conditions of humanity. Many celebrations and activities are accordingly taking place this year to commemorate this Golden Jubilee worldwide.
In the same way, the governments of East African countries are recognising His Highness' work by inviting him to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. During his visit, he will be engaged in a number of proceedings, including meetings with the President.
His Highness will also be hosting two major events which will involve a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Aga Khan Academy, a new centre of academic excellence in Munyonyo and, also, a ceremony at Bujagali near Jinja, where President Museveni will lay a foundation stone for the hydropower project.
We at the AKDN and the Ismaili community in Uganda very much appreciate the government's recognition of this Golden Jubilee by inviting His Highness to Uganda. It is a time of honour for both the nation and the Ismaili community. We hope, therefore, that many Ugandans will celebrate his arrival and his visit here, and that they will be enthusiastic in celebrating his work over the past 50 years.
The Golden Jubilee is also a time when we can anticipate new developments and advances in the engagements of AKDN in Uganda. In the jubilees of His Highness' grandfather, the Jubilee Insurance Company and Diamond Trust Bank were founded. As mentioned previously, the laying of foundation stones at the forthcoming Aga Khan Academy and the Bujagali project, both of which will be prominent Ugandan landmarks, will take place this year.
What does the Aga Khan Development Network do?
It is the world's largest private development agency and is active in large parts of the developing world including South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. The AKDN is engaged in three principal areas of development: economic development, social development and cultural development.
Many of the AKDN's companies and institutions were founded by His Highness' grandfather and have, therefore, been in existence for many decades. In Uganda these long-standing institutions include the Aga Khan Schools, Diamond Trust Bank, and Jubilee Insurance Company.
Other more recent projects are Uganda Fishnet Manufacturers, Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries, the hides and skins tannery, and the West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECO), which is generating 18 hours of electricity per day, and has improved the quality of life for rural populations.
Next year, WENRECO will bring into use the Nyagak "mini" Hydro Power Plant near Paidha. This will reduce the cost of power for these rural areas which presently rely on expensive oil-burning power facilities. It is a pilot project which, if successful, could be replicated in other regions of the country.
REPRESENTATIVE: Mr Ahmed (photo)
Then, of course, you have the well known Bujagali Hydro Power Project. Bujagali is a major undertaking and the largest single infrastructure investment of the AKDN worldwide. It is driven by the conviction that without a reliable and cheap source of power, the Ugandan economy will not be able to reach its full potential.
We have taken a risk which many more commercially driven investors would not take and believe that at its completion, the project will lead to a dependable and economical source of electricity and, hopefully, have a significant multiplier effect on Uganda's economy.
Then there are the hotel and tourism projects of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which in Uganda begun with the inauguration of the Kampala Serena Hotel last year.
Finally, there are the media interests which include the Daily Monitor newspaper, Kfm radio and the recently launched NTV television station which has brought the latest digital technology to Uganda and, I believe, is going to be a key player in broadcasting the Commonwealth Summit events coming up in November.
As you can see, during the past 50 years His Highness the Aga Khan has significantly expanded and deepened the activities of AKDN in East Africa. While we look at Eastern Africa as a region, we also focus on specific programmes within each country.
Many of the AKDN institutions in Uganda that I have described constitute part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which is the economic arm of the AKDN. Other institutions are part of the social development arm.
These include the Aga Khan Foundation, which is involved in various endeavours such as community based early childhood (or pre-school) education for both Muslim and non-Muslim children. This is focussed around the Madrasa Resource Centre for Early Childhood Development in Mengo, and many thousands of children have benefited from this successful project. It is being further extended to the West Nile region.
The Aga Khan Foundation also runs a project called "EUPEC", which works with poor and disadvantaged urban communities to enhance access to and quality of teaching in primary education. The company known as "Aga Khan Education Services" in Uganda operates the well known Aga Khan Schools which provide nursery, primary, and secondary education. Finally we have the Aga Khan University offering its advanced nursing training programmes to help working nurses upgrade their skills.
What is the basis for your operations in Uganda?
In 1989 His Highness met with President Museveni and they agreed on the restitution of properties that belonged to the AKDN, but had been confiscated during the Idi Amin era. President Museveni wanted to engage with parties that could assist Uganda in one way or another, and the AKDN was one of these. The Ugandan government made it more attractive for the AKDN to invest further, thereby enabling an expansion of our involvement in Uganda.
How about political development?
The AKDN is apolitical. AKDN policy is to improve the quality of life for all people where possible and, in part, this is by encouraging an environment which is conducive for economic development, and the growth of the private sector.
We encourage good governance because many lives can be improved through such means. Additionally, we help to strengthen awareness about the vital role of civil society in Uganda so people can become more involved in the decisions which affect the quality of their lives.
The AKDN in Uganda has diplomatic status. What exactly do you as resident representative do?
Since AKDN has significant engagements in Uganda, many of which have existed for decades, President Museveni signed an agreement with His Highness the Aga Khan in 2002. This agreement provided an opportunity for the AKDN to consolidate and, where appropriate, increase its involvement in Uganda. One element of these arrangements was the agreement with the Ugandan government that the AKDN could establish a diplomatic mission in Kampala.
My function as the resident representative of the AKDN in Uganda is to work with the different AKDN agencies and the government of Uganda so that we can, together, optimise our engagements here.
I also maintain the relationship of AKDN with various constituencies in Uganda, including the government, the academic community, civil society, the donor community, the business community, international organisations, the media and others. As far as we can see, the future of the AKDN in Uganda is bright.
How does the Aga Khan reconcile his activities in development alongside his role as a spiritual leader?
The leaders of our congregation lead their normal lives at the same time as playing a spiritual role in the community. There is no rigid separation between the material and the spiritual worlds as there is nothing inconsistent with a spiritual leader leading a worldly life in all its dimensions.
Would you consider his Highness the Aga Khan a philanthropist or a shrewd businessman?
Some observers of his work will consider him to be a philanthropist, while others perceive him as a businessman. However, I do not regard His Highness to be driven by either philanthropy or business. One way to understand this point of view is to reflect on the long tradition of His Highness' ancestors since the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who have consistently encouraged the improvement of conditions of living of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and upholding the dignity of mankind.
Looked at in this way, the AKDN may be seen as an endeavour by His Highness to seek the improvement of living conditions in three spheres of development: economic, social and cultural. In light of such a perspective, His Highness the Aga Khan is neither a philanthropist nor a businessman, but rather pursuing a mission which is centuries old.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news081710.php
His Highness Prince Aga Khan,the World Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community,waves to the crowd on arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.He is in Tanzania for a 5-day official visit as part of an EA tour. (photo)
Aga Khan arrives tomorrow
JAN AJWANG
KAMPALA
HIS Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan arrives in Uganda tomorrow on the last leg of his 12-day tour of East Africa as part of celebrations marking his Golden Jubilee as spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
"His Highness The Aga Khan is due to arrive in Uganda this Sunday, August 19, at 10:30 a.m. till August 23 when he will finish his tour in East Africa," Mr Mahmood Ahmed, the resident representative of The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), told journalists in Kampala yesterday. The East African tour is the first in a series that will take the Aga Khan to some 35 countries.
In 1957, at the age of 20, the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims who number 15 million and live in 25 countries across the world.
The Aga Khan heads the AKDN, the largest private development agency in the world engaged in economic, social and cultural development. Its annual budget for philanthropic activity runs in excess of $300 million.
According to Mr Ahmed, the Aga Khan will hold meetings with several government leaders, visit the local Ismaili community, and participate in two major ceremonies.
"He will accompany President Yoweri Museveni in a ceremony for the foundation stone-laying of the Bujagali Power Project in Jinja on Tuesday," Mr Ahmed said. "On Wednesday, he will also lay a foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo [on the southern outskirts of Kampala]."
The Bujagali Project, the largest single investment of the AKDN worldwide, is expected to produce 250 megawatts of hydroelectric power when it is commissioned in 2010.
"Bujagali Power Project is going to wipe out the load-shedding that Uganda is experiencing today and will help to replace the other expensive sources of energy that are currently being used in the country," said Mr Kevin Kariuki, the head of infrastructure at Industrial Promotion Services, an agency of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
Uganda has resorted to burning diesel to produce thermal power as a result of a biting crunch caused partly by the low levels of Lake Victoria, the source of water that runs turbines at the Nalubaale and Kiira dams in Jinja
The $50 million Aga Khan Academy Kampala, as the Munyonyo school is formally known, will be part of a network of other Aga Khan academies in Asia and Africa dedicated to expanding education of an international standard.
The Aga Khan, who is currently in Tanzania, started his regional tour in Kenya where he inaugurated the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Aga Khan University, East Africa's first premier private medical school.
The Aga Khan spent part of his childhood in East Africa.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news08182.php
Aga Khan arrives tomorrow
JAN AJWANG
KAMPALA
HIS Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan arrives in Uganda tomorrow on the last leg of his 12-day tour of East Africa as part of celebrations marking his Golden Jubilee as spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
"His Highness The Aga Khan is due to arrive in Uganda this Sunday, August 19, at 10:30 a.m. till August 23 when he will finish his tour in East Africa," Mr Mahmood Ahmed, the resident representative of The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), told journalists in Kampala yesterday. The East African tour is the first in a series that will take the Aga Khan to some 35 countries.
In 1957, at the age of 20, the Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims who number 15 million and live in 25 countries across the world.
The Aga Khan heads the AKDN, the largest private development agency in the world engaged in economic, social and cultural development. Its annual budget for philanthropic activity runs in excess of $300 million.
According to Mr Ahmed, the Aga Khan will hold meetings with several government leaders, visit the local Ismaili community, and participate in two major ceremonies.
"He will accompany President Yoweri Museveni in a ceremony for the foundation stone-laying of the Bujagali Power Project in Jinja on Tuesday," Mr Ahmed said. "On Wednesday, he will also lay a foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo [on the southern outskirts of Kampala]."
The Bujagali Project, the largest single investment of the AKDN worldwide, is expected to produce 250 megawatts of hydroelectric power when it is commissioned in 2010.
"Bujagali Power Project is going to wipe out the load-shedding that Uganda is experiencing today and will help to replace the other expensive sources of energy that are currently being used in the country," said Mr Kevin Kariuki, the head of infrastructure at Industrial Promotion Services, an agency of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
Uganda has resorted to burning diesel to produce thermal power as a result of a biting crunch caused partly by the low levels of Lake Victoria, the source of water that runs turbines at the Nalubaale and Kiira dams in Jinja
The $50 million Aga Khan Academy Kampala, as the Munyonyo school is formally known, will be part of a network of other Aga Khan academies in Asia and Africa dedicated to expanding education of an international standard.
The Aga Khan, who is currently in Tanzania, started his regional tour in Kenya where he inaugurated the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Aga Khan University, East Africa's first premier private medical school.
The Aga Khan spent part of his childhood in East Africa.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news08182.php
Aga Khan gets red carpet welcome
mbdartzgoldenjubilee
Sunday, 19th August, 2007
Aga Khan receives a bouquet of flowers from Anne Marie Mirembe as mayor Sebaggala and Martin Aliker look on
By Carol Natukunda
HUNDREDS of Ismaili Muslims yesterday thronged Entebbe Airport to welcome their spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan arrived at 10:25am aboard a private jet. Among the officials who turned up to receive him were Presidential Adviser Martin Aliker, the Aga Khan resident representative, Mahmood Ahmed and Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala.
Unbothered by the morning drizzle, the excited Ismailis burst into a thunderous applause. They had since 7:30am lined up for clearance to the runway.
Chanting and dancing, they waved the Ugandan flag as well as the flag of the Ismaili community.
"I have never seen him face to face," said a 50-year-old Indian woman stretching her neck to catch a glimpse of him.
Donned in a dark blue suit, the Aga Khan smiled and waved at his supporters as he walked over the red carpet, prompting more shouts of joy.
He was immediately driven off to Kampala in an Audi car, accompanied by a convoy of traffic police, security personnel and some high-profile Ismailis.
The Aga Khan is on the last leg of his 12-day visit to East Africa as part of the celebrations to mark his 50 years of leadership.
He was hosted to a luncheon at State House, Nakasero, by President Yoweri Museveni. The highlight of his five-day visit to Uganda will be to launch the Bujagali hydropower project in Jinja tomorrow.
The Industrial Promotion Services Group of Companies, the economic arm of the Aga Khan Group, is one of the sponsors of the project. He is also expected to lay the foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
The Ismaili community comprises of ethnically and culturally diverse people living in over 25 countries around the world.
The Aga Khan is the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of international and private agencies working to improve the living conditions of the poor.
He was last in Uganda in 2006 to open the Serena Kampala Hotel, one of the investments under his group.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/582252
mbdartzgoldenjubilee
Sunday, 19th August, 2007
Aga Khan receives a bouquet of flowers from Anne Marie Mirembe as mayor Sebaggala and Martin Aliker look on
By Carol Natukunda
HUNDREDS of Ismaili Muslims yesterday thronged Entebbe Airport to welcome their spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan arrived at 10:25am aboard a private jet. Among the officials who turned up to receive him were Presidential Adviser Martin Aliker, the Aga Khan resident representative, Mahmood Ahmed and Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala.
Unbothered by the morning drizzle, the excited Ismailis burst into a thunderous applause. They had since 7:30am lined up for clearance to the runway.
Chanting and dancing, they waved the Ugandan flag as well as the flag of the Ismaili community.
"I have never seen him face to face," said a 50-year-old Indian woman stretching her neck to catch a glimpse of him.
Donned in a dark blue suit, the Aga Khan smiled and waved at his supporters as he walked over the red carpet, prompting more shouts of joy.
He was immediately driven off to Kampala in an Audi car, accompanied by a convoy of traffic police, security personnel and some high-profile Ismailis.
The Aga Khan is on the last leg of his 12-day visit to East Africa as part of the celebrations to mark his 50 years of leadership.
He was hosted to a luncheon at State House, Nakasero, by President Yoweri Museveni. The highlight of his five-day visit to Uganda will be to launch the Bujagali hydropower project in Jinja tomorrow.
The Industrial Promotion Services Group of Companies, the economic arm of the Aga Khan Group, is one of the sponsors of the project. He is also expected to lay the foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
The Ismaili community comprises of ethnically and culturally diverse people living in over 25 countries around the world.
The Aga Khan is the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of international and private agencies working to improve the living conditions of the poor.
He was last in Uganda in 2006 to open the Serena Kampala Hotel, one of the investments under his group.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/582252
Aga Khan to officiate at the inauguration of hydro project
Story by STEPHEN OUMA, Nation Correspondent, Kampala
Publication Date: 8/19/2007
The long-awaited building of the Bujagali hydro-power dam finally becomes a reality on Tuesday when the groundbreaking ceremonies take place.
The $750 million World Bank assisted multinational hydro-power project, the biggest investment in sub-Saharan Africa, is a public-private partnership with the Government of Uganda as primary promoter.
Bujagali power project, about 100 km of 132 KV transmission lines to be completed in four to five years, is a realisation of ten years of study and planning.
The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, who is on a 12-day Golden Jubilee visit to East Africa, is to officiate at the inauguration ceremony as well as four other projects under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The grand ceremony will be graced by President Yoweri Museveni, State and national officials and other dignitaries.
When completed, the dam will increase Uganda's installed capacity by up to 250 megawatts.
The project will sharply reduce the country's current 150-megawatt power deficit, 100 MW of which is provided by thermal plants.
The project is also expected to meet demands for the anticipated increase in energy use in Uganda, estimated at between 30-40 MW per year.
Additional benefits
According to an expert, Mr Michae Ocilaje, Bujagali Energy Limited, which brings together Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Limited and SG Bujagali Holdings Limited, is to provide additional benefits, primarily for the local region affected by the project.
SG Bujagali Holdings is an affiliate of Sithe Global Power, LLC (USA).
Bujagali Energy Limited is to build, operate and transfer BHP. The Bujagali Interconnection Project (BIP) will be implemented by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited.
The (BIP), which is part of Bujagali Hydro Power Station project, will provide the transmission infrastructure and distribute the hydro electricity to the Ugandan power grid.
As part of the development agreement, BEL is to manage and oversee implementation of Community Action Plan and Resettlement Action Plan of Bujagali Project Transmission Line from Bujagali to Kawanda and on to Mutundwe.
The impact assessment, prepared by an international group of environmental and social experts and monitored by experts from seven international financing institutions, was disclosed to the public in December 2006. The environmental and social impact assessment has taken into account the issues raised regarding the project's potential impact
Comprehensive consultations, monitored by independent NGOs, were held with local community members and national stakeholders, to identify compensation measures.
The local community and other affected people are supportive of the project.
Compensation for land taken and resettlement of 5,158 persons compare favourably with similar projects worldwide.
Following fast-tracking of negotiations, which resulted in the conclusion of nine agreements, the government released US$75 million to Salini to assist in mobilisation and begin the construction.
Initial construction work started on June 15, 2007. The work includes, among other things, clearing of the dam site, spillway and power house area, test borings, and on-the-ground surveying. The excavation and widening and improvement of access, as well as service roads, is being done.
In addition, clearing of vegetation from the quarry area is being done. Land survey of access/service roads, site construction, and building construction are all in progress.
As part of the mobilisation effort, substantial equipment and machinery is soon to be received.
Over 100 people (80 per cent of whom are local residents) are being employed in the project.
About $2.4 million will be invested in community initiatives.
Create jobs
Through this initiative, the inhabitants of Wakisi sub-county (west bank) in the Mukono District and Budondo sub-county (east bank) in Jinja District will benefit from the project through improved housing and water supply, better schools and health facilities.
The project will also create jobs in construction and in plant operations.
It will contribute to improving the frame-work for private sector activities in the country and reduce severe disruptions of economic activities in periods of drought.
The 250-megawatt power-generating facility is part of a broader energy strategy that seeks to develop generation capacity to meet medium and long-term electricity requirements for the country.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ... sid=104768
Story by STEPHEN OUMA, Nation Correspondent, Kampala
Publication Date: 8/19/2007
The long-awaited building of the Bujagali hydro-power dam finally becomes a reality on Tuesday when the groundbreaking ceremonies take place.
The $750 million World Bank assisted multinational hydro-power project, the biggest investment in sub-Saharan Africa, is a public-private partnership with the Government of Uganda as primary promoter.
Bujagali power project, about 100 km of 132 KV transmission lines to be completed in four to five years, is a realisation of ten years of study and planning.
The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, who is on a 12-day Golden Jubilee visit to East Africa, is to officiate at the inauguration ceremony as well as four other projects under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The grand ceremony will be graced by President Yoweri Museveni, State and national officials and other dignitaries.
When completed, the dam will increase Uganda's installed capacity by up to 250 megawatts.
The project will sharply reduce the country's current 150-megawatt power deficit, 100 MW of which is provided by thermal plants.
The project is also expected to meet demands for the anticipated increase in energy use in Uganda, estimated at between 30-40 MW per year.
Additional benefits
According to an expert, Mr Michae Ocilaje, Bujagali Energy Limited, which brings together Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Limited and SG Bujagali Holdings Limited, is to provide additional benefits, primarily for the local region affected by the project.
SG Bujagali Holdings is an affiliate of Sithe Global Power, LLC (USA).
Bujagali Energy Limited is to build, operate and transfer BHP. The Bujagali Interconnection Project (BIP) will be implemented by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited.
The (BIP), which is part of Bujagali Hydro Power Station project, will provide the transmission infrastructure and distribute the hydro electricity to the Ugandan power grid.
As part of the development agreement, BEL is to manage and oversee implementation of Community Action Plan and Resettlement Action Plan of Bujagali Project Transmission Line from Bujagali to Kawanda and on to Mutundwe.
The impact assessment, prepared by an international group of environmental and social experts and monitored by experts from seven international financing institutions, was disclosed to the public in December 2006. The environmental and social impact assessment has taken into account the issues raised regarding the project's potential impact
Comprehensive consultations, monitored by independent NGOs, were held with local community members and national stakeholders, to identify compensation measures.
The local community and other affected people are supportive of the project.
Compensation for land taken and resettlement of 5,158 persons compare favourably with similar projects worldwide.
Following fast-tracking of negotiations, which resulted in the conclusion of nine agreements, the government released US$75 million to Salini to assist in mobilisation and begin the construction.
Initial construction work started on June 15, 2007. The work includes, among other things, clearing of the dam site, spillway and power house area, test borings, and on-the-ground surveying. The excavation and widening and improvement of access, as well as service roads, is being done.
In addition, clearing of vegetation from the quarry area is being done. Land survey of access/service roads, site construction, and building construction are all in progress.
As part of the mobilisation effort, substantial equipment and machinery is soon to be received.
Over 100 people (80 per cent of whom are local residents) are being employed in the project.
About $2.4 million will be invested in community initiatives.
Create jobs
Through this initiative, the inhabitants of Wakisi sub-county (west bank) in the Mukono District and Budondo sub-county (east bank) in Jinja District will benefit from the project through improved housing and water supply, better schools and health facilities.
The project will also create jobs in construction and in plant operations.
It will contribute to improving the frame-work for private sector activities in the country and reduce severe disruptions of economic activities in periods of drought.
The 250-megawatt power-generating facility is part of a broader energy strategy that seeks to develop generation capacity to meet medium and long-term electricity requirements for the country.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ... sid=104768
President Receives H.H. Aga Khan
2007-08-19
President Yoweri Museveni has this afternoon left for Arusha Tanzania, to attend the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit. The EAC groups together Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and new entrants Rwanda and Burundi.
The President left soon after hosting the visiting leader of the Ismaili Muslim Community in the world, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to a luncheon at State House, Nakasero.
The Aga Khan arrived in Uganda this morning for a 5-day visit as part of his celebrations marking 50 years of his leadership of the Ismaili Muslims.
President Museveni was seen off at Entebbe International Airport by State Minister for Regional Affairs, Mr. Isaac Musumba.
Others included the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces General Ivan Koreta, the Inspector General of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, 1st Secretary in the Tanzanian High Commission in Kampala, Ms. Anifa Mbega and Wakiso district Acting RDC Mr. Sula Sserunjogi.
state house uganda
2007-08-19
President Yoweri Museveni has this afternoon left for Arusha Tanzania, to attend the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit. The EAC groups together Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and new entrants Rwanda and Burundi.
The President left soon after hosting the visiting leader of the Ismaili Muslim Community in the world, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to a luncheon at State House, Nakasero.
The Aga Khan arrived in Uganda this morning for a 5-day visit as part of his celebrations marking 50 years of his leadership of the Ismaili Muslims.
President Museveni was seen off at Entebbe International Airport by State Minister for Regional Affairs, Mr. Isaac Musumba.
Others included the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces General Ivan Koreta, the Inspector General of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, 1st Secretary in the Tanzanian High Commission in Kampala, Ms. Anifa Mbega and Wakiso district Acting RDC Mr. Sula Sserunjogi.
state house uganda
M7 IS MUSEVENI NICKNAME
Museveni, Aga Khan to flag off Bujagali dam works tomorrow
Sunday, 19th August, 2007
By Ibrahim Kasita
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni and His Highness, The Aga Khan, are to flag off the construction works of the long-awaited Bujagali hydro power project in Jinja tomorrow.
The duo will officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony of the 250 mega watts project expected to address the current power problems.
Delegates from the International Finance Corporation, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank, The Netherlands' FMO, French's Proparco/AFD, Germany's DEG/KfW and Barclays/ABSA and Standard Chartered banks, the project lenders, will attend.
A joint-venture between Aga Khan's Industrial Promotion Services and Global Sithe, a US firm, are the project constructors.
Italian firm, Salini is the main project contractor, while Alstom, a French firm, and Fichtner, a German company, are the subcontractors of the project expected to last 44 months to complete.
The Bujagali project is considered an integral component of Uganda's strategy to close an energy supply gap that constrains social and economic development.
The country is facing acute power shortage after the hydropower generation from the Kiira and Nalubaale power stations dwindled to 140 mega watts from the installed capacity of 380 mega watts.
To mitigate the shortfall, 100 mega watts of thermal energy were procured to drive the economy.
However, thermal generation is thrice expensive as hydropower.
Bujagali project is run-of-the-river hydro-power plant which will re-use water flowing from Nalubaale and Kiira power stations to generate electricity.
The additional electricity will increase the supply to the national grid at the lowest cost compared to other power generation expansion options under Uganda's energy sector strategy. The project will relieve power shortages and substantially reduce the need for more expensive thermal power.
It has undergone extensive economic, environmental, and social studies, which recommended sufficient mitigating measures to lessen the negative environmental impact.
The Government has also committed to conserve Mabira and Kalagala Falls to preserve environment.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/582098
Uganda: The Length And Breadth of AKDN's Influence
East African Business Week (Kampala)
20 August 2007
Posted to the web 20 August 2007
Kampala
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of nine development agencies working in health, education, culture and rural and economic development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, central and south Asia and the Middle East.
The agencies are: Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Agha Khan Health Services.
Others are Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Aga Khan University of Central Asia and Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
While it has a presence in 35 countries, over the past decade, AKDN has been expanding its investments in Uganda. So far Kenya has the lion's share of AKDN activities in East Africa.
In Uganda, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) supports a couple of projects, which include the Enhancing Universal Primary Education in Communities (EUPEC), Young Development Professionals Programme (YDP).
Others are Uganda Community Based Early Childhood Education Project (Madrasa Resource Centre Uganda), International Scholarship Programme and Civil Society Enhancement - Support to CIVICUS study.
The AKDN education arm has under it the Aga Khan University Advanced Nursing Studies Programme and the Aga Khan Education Services in Old Kampala.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the economic arm of the AKDN has several initiatives and projects in Uganda including the Jubilee Insurance Company, Uganda.
Still under AKFED, you will find the Industrial Promotion Services (IPS). A number of companies form part of the IPS portfolio including Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI) and Leather Industries of Uganda.
Others are Uganda Fishnet Manufacturers Limited, West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo) and the proposed 250MW Bujagali Hydro-electric power plant, which is the latest under the AKDN umbrella.
Under AKFED still, you will find Diamond Trust Bank, Tourism Promotion Services (Kampala Serena Hotel) and the Nation Media Group.
more to come
Museveni, Aga Khan to flag off Bujagali dam works tomorrow
Sunday, 19th August, 2007
By Ibrahim Kasita
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni and His Highness, The Aga Khan, are to flag off the construction works of the long-awaited Bujagali hydro power project in Jinja tomorrow.
The duo will officiate at the ground-breaking ceremony of the 250 mega watts project expected to address the current power problems.
Delegates from the International Finance Corporation, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank, The Netherlands' FMO, French's Proparco/AFD, Germany's DEG/KfW and Barclays/ABSA and Standard Chartered banks, the project lenders, will attend.
A joint-venture between Aga Khan's Industrial Promotion Services and Global Sithe, a US firm, are the project constructors.
Italian firm, Salini is the main project contractor, while Alstom, a French firm, and Fichtner, a German company, are the subcontractors of the project expected to last 44 months to complete.
The Bujagali project is considered an integral component of Uganda's strategy to close an energy supply gap that constrains social and economic development.
The country is facing acute power shortage after the hydropower generation from the Kiira and Nalubaale power stations dwindled to 140 mega watts from the installed capacity of 380 mega watts.
To mitigate the shortfall, 100 mega watts of thermal energy were procured to drive the economy.
However, thermal generation is thrice expensive as hydropower.
Bujagali project is run-of-the-river hydro-power plant which will re-use water flowing from Nalubaale and Kiira power stations to generate electricity.
The additional electricity will increase the supply to the national grid at the lowest cost compared to other power generation expansion options under Uganda's energy sector strategy. The project will relieve power shortages and substantially reduce the need for more expensive thermal power.
It has undergone extensive economic, environmental, and social studies, which recommended sufficient mitigating measures to lessen the negative environmental impact.
The Government has also committed to conserve Mabira and Kalagala Falls to preserve environment.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/582098
Uganda: The Length And Breadth of AKDN's Influence
East African Business Week (Kampala)
20 August 2007
Posted to the web 20 August 2007
Kampala
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of nine development agencies working in health, education, culture and rural and economic development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, central and south Asia and the Middle East.
The agencies are: Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Services, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Agha Khan Health Services.
Others are Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Aga Khan University of Central Asia and Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
While it has a presence in 35 countries, over the past decade, AKDN has been expanding its investments in Uganda. So far Kenya has the lion's share of AKDN activities in East Africa.
In Uganda, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) supports a couple of projects, which include the Enhancing Universal Primary Education in Communities (EUPEC), Young Development Professionals Programme (YDP).
Others are Uganda Community Based Early Childhood Education Project (Madrasa Resource Centre Uganda), International Scholarship Programme and Civil Society Enhancement - Support to CIVICUS study.
The AKDN education arm has under it the Aga Khan University Advanced Nursing Studies Programme and the Aga Khan Education Services in Old Kampala.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the economic arm of the AKDN has several initiatives and projects in Uganda including the Jubilee Insurance Company, Uganda.
Still under AKFED, you will find the Industrial Promotion Services (IPS). A number of companies form part of the IPS portfolio including Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI) and Leather Industries of Uganda.
Others are Uganda Fishnet Manufacturers Limited, West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo) and the proposed 250MW Bujagali Hydro-electric power plant, which is the latest under the AKDN umbrella.
Under AKFED still, you will find Diamond Trust Bank, Tourism Promotion Services (Kampala Serena Hotel) and the Nation Media Group.
more to come
Museveni Lauds Aga Khan's Role in Devt
New Vision (Kampala)
COLUMN
21 August 2007
Posted to the web 22 August 2007
Yoweri Museveni
Kampala
Yesterday the Aga Khan was in Jinja on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone for the Bujagali Hydro-power Project. Below is President Yoweri Museveni's speech
His Highness the Aga Khan, Ministers, Members of Parliament, development partners, chief executives of Bujagali Project Financing Institutions present, chief executives of Industrial Promotion Services, Sithe Global and Salini; ladies and gentlemen.
I welcome you all to Jinja to witness the laying of the Foundation Stone for Bujagali Hydro-power Project. I wish to extend special welcome to His Highness the Aga Khan and congratulate him on this auspicious occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the position of Imam of the Ismaili Muslim Community. I salute all our development partners who have graced this occasion with their presence here in Jinja.
His Highness the Aga Khan has made significant contribution towards the social and economic development of this country. The Aga Khan Foundation for Economic Development's (Akfed) participation in Uganda ranges from manufacturing, finance and banking, the media, social services like education and now infrastructure.
Specifically, in the power sector, Akfed as public- private partnership with Government is operating the West Nile power supply concession under which power supply in the area has been increased from four hours per day to 18 hours per day and also involves the construction of the 3.5 MW Nyagak mini Hydro-power plant, which is expected to be commissioned early next year.
Regarding the Bujagali Hydro-power Project, for which we have laid a foundation stone this morning, Industrial Promotion Services an affiliate of Akfed is leading a consortium called Bujagali Energy Limited, which will be responsible for the development and operation of this project. I understand the Bujagali Project is the largest single infrastructure investment of the Aga Khan Development Network worldwide. I commend His Highness for this remarkable contribution.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bujagali Project has been on our books for a long time. The delay in constructing this power plant plunged this country into a power supply deficit which has greatly affected our economy. As part of the solution to address the power supply shortage, emergency thermal power plants have been installed. This has necessitated provision of huge subsidies from Government to buy down the tariff of thermal generated power.
This state of affairs in the power sector has made us re-examine our energy supply strategies to ensure energy supply security. In particular:
(i) An urgent need has been recognised to mobilise internal financial resources to develop power projects. To this end, an Energy Fund has been established with seed money from the budget.
(ii) Diversification of power supply sources beyond the traditional Hydro-power. These sources include; a) the country's vast renewable energy resources like biomass, solar, wind and geothermal, and b) the recently discovered oil and gas resources in the Albertine Graben. Efforts are already underway to develop the oil and gas resources to cater for our short to medium term power requirements.
(iii) A third opportunity is derived from the available power resources within the expanding East African Community and the environs. The strategy is to build grid interconnections so that there is power flow from places of abundance to power deficit areas.
(iv) An urgent need for professional manpower required to develop the available energy resources was recognised. Recruitment of this manpower is already underway.
Proceeds from the Energy Fund have already been put to good use. In July this year, the Government made available $75m towards the Bujagali Project so that work commences giving adequate time to the lenders to put together the required financing for the project. Once the lenders are ready with the financing, this money will be recovered and injected into other power projects. Government has also been able to provide $17.5m out of the Energy Fund to implement the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Bujagali transmission line.
Let me take this opportunity to express Uganda Government's gratitude to those who have been and are associated with the development of the Bujagali project. Starting with the project sponsors, I wish to thank members of the Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) consortium, namely Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) of Kenya, one of the conglomerates of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development) and Sithe Global of USA, for the commitment shown to the project. I am sure that together with the contractor, Salini, BEL will be able to deliver the project on schedule.
Turning to the financiers, I wish to thank the following: Agence Françoise Developpement (AFD) /Propaco of France; African Development Bank; European Investment Bank; Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO); International Finance Corporation (IFC); International Development Association (IDA) KfW/DEG of Germany; and the banks under the IDA Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) namely Barclays/ABSA and Standard Chartered. I thank you all for the effort you have made in putting together the financing. Last, but not least among the financiers, I wish to thank the Ugandan public who, as I indicated above, are building an Energy Fund, part of whose proceeds has been used to implement some components of the Bujagali Project. The contribution from the Energy Fund over and above the $20m Government contribution inherited from the earlier investment made when we started to develop Bujagali project with AES corporation (Bujagali 1), makes this project a true public-private partnership.
I also wish to thank the multi-institutional Government of Uganda team, which participated in the packaging of the Bujagali project for development, right from the time of selection of the new project sponsor, BEL. This team has conducted the process in a professional and transparent manner. I thank them for a job well done.
Let me briefly touch on the issue of the environment as it relates to the Bujagali Project. The environmental aspects of the Bujagali Project have been extensively studied and debated. I wish to assure the public that the Government of Uganda, working with the project sponsor, BEL will ensure that all the identified mitigation measures are satisfactorily implemented.
As I conclude, I wish to bring to the forefront the investment opportunities in Uganda in the energy and mineral sectors as well as the associated industries. In the petroleum sub-sector, the oil and gas discoveries made in the Albertine Graben are opening up significant opportunities. These include the value addition industries like refining and gas processing together with their attendant service industries.
In the mineral sector we are currently conducting an extensive airborne geophysical survey of the country, which will bring out key mineral targets which would not easily be spotted by conventional mineral exploration means. As results come out, investors both local and foreign should come up and take up the investment opportunities in this emerging mineral sector.
Once again, I congratulate His Highness on this 50th anniversary and wish him many more years. I look forward to a timely commissioning of the Bujagali project.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200708220089.html
Uganda: Electricity Prices to Drop By 50 Percent
The Monitor (Kampala)
22 August 2007
Posted to the web 21 August 2007
Walter Wafula & Jan Ajwang
Jinja
BUJAGALI hydropower dam will cut the cost of electricity by more than half the current rate in the early stages of completion, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan has said.
The spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, who was in the company of President Museveni, was speaking at the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Bujagali Hydro-Electricity Power Project in Jinja yesterday.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed), through its Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) arm, is one of two key shareholders in the Bujagali dam project. The project is run under the Bujagali Energy Limited consortium. Sithe Global is the other partner. The Aga Khan said that today only 5 per cent of the total population of Uganda, and a mere 1 per cent of the rural population, have access to the grid supply of electric power.
And even those who have access to electric power have suffered the burden of doubled tariffs over the last four years, let alone massive outages.
"But just imagine for a moment the transformation that can take place when the cost of power is cut by more than half, as it will be in the early stages of this project, and then is later cut in half again," he said of the 250MW Bujagali project which is scheduled for completion in 2010.
An initial 50MW of electricity from the dam will be generated after 36 months from September 2007 when construction begins in earnest. Electricity prices will start dropping once that 50MW comes on stream. The prices will continue to reduce as the subsequent 200MW is released onto the national grid monthly in four phases.
The reduction in power tariffs would shrink the cost of manufacturing, encourage investment, employment, enhance development, and improve Uganda's overall economic growth.
The project is estimated to cost $772 million, excluding $43 million for any emergencies that may come up and $46 million which is debt service reserve.
The Ugandan government lent the project $75 million to commence work early enough as the international lenders processed the loan. The government also provided $17.5 million for resettling people along the Bujagali transmission line. Bujagali Energy Limited will pay the government back.
At a recent news conference, Dr Kevin Kariuki, the head of infrastructure at IPS, said Uganda is currently charged between 25-31 US cents for a unit (kilowatt-hour) of power.
"During the debt repayment period, tariffs will reach about 11 US cents per unit and over 30 years of approximately 6-6.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour," Dr Kariuki said.
The soaring tariffs that Ugandans have endured in the previous years are partly associated with the high cost of generating thermal power. Thermal power plants in Kampala and Jinja currently produce 100MW by burning diesel.
These are supplementing the insufficient hydropower from Kiira and Nalubaale dams in Jinja. The country's total power production currently stands at about 230MW while demand is estimated at 350MW. In other words, power supply has fallen behind economic growth.
The Aga Khan said that the current skyrocketing costs have worked to reinforce the cycle of poverty for millions, and badly impaired the ability of Ugandan companies to compete in international markets thereby curtailing the expansion of employment.
"The result of continuing power shortfalls can be a downward spiral of disappointment and discouragement," he said.
The Bujagali power project is the largest single private sector investment in East Africa. It is also the largest independent power project in sub-Saharan Africa, and the largest single power investment ever made by the International Finance Corporation worldwide.
Bujagali Energy Limited has got all the money needed for the project from major world lenders. These include International Finance Corporation ($130 million), European Investment Bank (Euro100 million), African Development Bank ($110 million), Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank ($115 million), Dutch Development Agency ($73 million), French Agency for Development ($73 million), and German Development Bank ($45 million).
President Museveni regretted the delay in the construction of the dam saying that it was one of the biggest mistakes he had made in his political career. Comparing himself to the Biblical Pontius Pilate who handed Jesus Christ to the Jews for crucifixion, the President said: "He participated in the killing of Jesus by keeping quiet. I didn't reject [the sabotage of the project]. I just kept quiet. It was my mistake to keep quiet and like Pontius Pilate I confess and repent all my sins."
He promised that the current energy crisis would not reoccur. "This is sabotage, it is criminal and I assure you that it will not happen again as long as the Movement is in power."
Mr Museveni accused foreign environmentalists and the international community "especially in European and American governments" for fuelling the delay of the power project that should have started 15 years ago.
The President has also previously blamed opposition-leaning members of the Sixth Parliament (1996-2001) for the delay. He said that the current power crisis has made the government to revise its energy supply strategies.
"We are not going to accept the strategy of chasing demand of electricity; instead we must produce it ahead of demand," he said.
The government recently established the Energy Fund to generate money locally to support power projects.
The strategy involves exploiting alternative energy sources such as biomass, solar, wind, and geothermal. Addressing himself to the concerns of environmentalists opposed to the dam, the President said the best way to protect the environment was to provide cheap energy so that people can stop using firewood. The Aga Khan also spoke of the environmental cleanliness of the project. He said hydropower is "clean energy" that advances sustainable development while minimising its environmental impact.
Uganda is not the only African country that is facing a power crisis. The New York Times reported in July that some "25 of the 44 sub-Saharan nations face crippling electricity shortages, a power crisis that some experts call unprecedented".
Bujagali is one of the landmarks on the last leg of the Aga Khan's 12-day East Africa tour in celebration of his Golden Jubilee as Imam of 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims who live around the world.
Today, he will lay a foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo, Kampala. The $50 million academy will devote its programmes to expanding access to education of international excellence for exceptional students in Uganda.
Through Akfed, the Aga Khan is also set to invest in an airline that will ease air transport in Uganda.
http://allafrica.com/stories
Bujagali dam work starts
Tuesday, 21st August, 2007 E-mail article Print article
Museveni and the Aga Khan (right) lay the foundation stone for the Bujagali power project in Jinja yesterday
By Peter Kaujju, Ibrahim Kasita & Carol Natukunda
President Yoweri Museveni and the Aga Khan yesterday laid the foundation stone of what will go down in history as the biggest private investment in East-Africa and the largest independent power project in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Bujagali Dam, with a total price tag of $770m, is expected to generate 250 Megawatt by the time it is completed in 2011. At the launch, which was attended by ministers, MPs and religious leaders, Museveni said the Bujagali project had delayed because of what he called 'criminal sabotage' by politicians.
"How can you talk for 15 years about 250 Megawatts and you say you are serious? This is a disgrace.
You go to a country like USA which produces 800,000 Megawatts. Government officials and politicians must wake up!"
He also blamed himself for keeping quiet about the looming energy crisis. "This was a big mistake in my public career. It was like Pontius Pilate who participated in killing Jesus by keeping quiet. It was my mistake and I repent my sins," he said, drawing bolts of laughter.
The Government injected $75m from the energy fund into the Bujagali project ahead of the lenders' contribution, and another $17.5m for the resettlement of people living along the transmission line, he stressed. "Once the lenders are ready with the financing, this money will be recovered and injected into other power projects."
Hydro-electric power is six times cheaper than thermal energy, which is presently being used to address the power shortage, Museveni pointed out.
"Hydro-power production cost is now at 3.9 US cents per unit while thermal generation is at 23 US cents. This has necessitated the provision of huge subsidies from the Government to bring down the cost of electricity."
The President once again lashed out at environmentalists whom he accused of ignorance.
"How are the 31m people cooking? They are using firewood. The last time I checked, Uganda was destroying 28b cubic meters of wood in the form of enku (firewood) per year. How can you talk about the environment when you do not know that?" he wondered.
He called upon the international community, particularly the Europeans and Americans, to stop listening to 'amateurs' on environmental matters, offering them consultancy services "free of charge" instead.
Besides hydro-power, the President said, the Government was also looking at other renewable energy sources, such as biomass, solar, wind, geo-thermal and gas.
He announced that a gas-fire power plant would be built in Hoima in the short term, which would generate 90 Megawatts, following the recent discovery of gas in the area.
Referring to the Aga Khan's plan to set up an airline in Uganda, he noted that by 2009, the country will produce its own aviation fuel, which will make Entebbe more competitive.
Museveni said he looked forward to commissioning the dam in 2011, adding "and as you know, I will still be around then".
Earlier, the Aga Khan, whose foundation is the project developer and one of the shareholders, called the ground-breaking ceremony a "historic moment" and the opening of a new era in African history.
"It is the largest single power investment ever made by the International Finance Corporation anywhere in the world", the Aga Khan noted.
The IFC, the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank, is contributing $130m to the project.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims confessed it had not been easy to attract private capital for this kind of ambitious project in a developing country.
But with the support of the Ugandan Government, the World Bank and other multi-national lenders, he said, the equity financing was actually over-subscribed.
The Aga Khan Fund had taken up the project because it provided clean and affordable energy, thus advancing sustainable development while minimizing its environmental impact, His Highness explained.
"Everywhere in the world today, people are searching for ways to reduce the threat of global warming both by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and by fighting the blight of deforestation… Hydro electric power fulfills that goal."
He noted that Africa, with one-sixth of the world's population, produced only four percent of the world's electricity.
He also pointed out that only five percent of Uganda's total population and only one percent of the rural population had access to electricity. Even for those who have access, he said, electricity tariffs had more than doubled in the last four years.
"These skyrocketing costs work to reinforce the cycle of poverty for millions and they badly impair the ability of Ugandan companies to compete in international markets."
He predicted that the cost of power as a result of Bujagali would be cut by half in the early stages of the project, and by half again in the later stages.
Energy minister Daudi Migereko stressed that the project was handled in an open, transparent and competitive manner. He also emphasised that they had addressed the concerns of the environmentalists.
"Unfortunately, some of them are prepared to settle for nothing short of stopping the project. But NEMA and other agencies approved the project and are monitoring it."
The local community supported the project since they expect employment, business opportunities and electricity, he noted.
*****
Aga Khan Academy to educate needy students
JAN AJWANG & WALTER WAFULA
KAMPALA
EXCEPTIONAL but needy students in Uganda will have access to education of international standards of excellence once the Aga Khan Academy Kampala is commissioned.
A foundation stone that marked the beginnings of the $50 million project was laid yesterday in Munyonyo on the southern outskirts of Kampala by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and Vice President Gilbert Bukenya.
"As students seek to enter the academies' programme, they will be judged on merit, not by their financial resources," the Aga Khan said.
GOOD START: His Highness The Aga Khan (L) and VP Bukenya celebrate after laying a foundation stone for the academy in Munyonyo yesterday. Photo by Stephen Wandera
The academy will offer primary and secondary education and will be guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, an internationally recognised curriculum renowned for its multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to learning.
The IB is accepted by more than 1,700 of the best universities in the world and is known for its academic excellence and promotion of pluralism.
The academy will also provide professional development of teachers to sustain the programme. The academy programme in Uganda will first focus on training of teachers ahead of the opening of the school.
The academy will be one of a network of 18 other academies in 14 countries in Asia and Africa which will be developed over the next 15 years. Only two international schools offer the IB diploma as an option to A-levels in Uganda.
They are International School in Uganda and Aga Khan High School at Shs1.5 million per term for three terms.
The academy, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, will occupy 44 acres of land including an island donated by Ugandan businessman Amirali Karmali, also known as Mukwano.
The Aga Khan said that the site is ideal for promoting what he called "environmental pluralism" to accompany the appreciation for cultural pluralism amongst students and teachers.
The academy, which is under the Aga Khan Education Services, is an independent project from the currently existing Aga Khan Schools.
The academy launch came a day after the Aga Khan broke ground to start construction of the Bujagali hydropower project in Jinja.
The Aga Khan's visit to Uganda is part of an international tour to celebrate his Golden Jubilee as spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
He said that the academy will complement the power project in building Uganda's future.
"I noted … that lasting economic growth will be self-destructive if it is not matched by the growth of the power supply," he said.
"The same thing is true in the world of human resources, where people supply the power. If economic growth propels us down a road for which our future leaders are not prepared, then we will never sustain our advances. This is why so many of the long-term investments we have been making, throughout the developing world, are investments in education."
President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented by Prof. Bukenya, said the ceremony is a significant milestone in another of the Aga Khan's important contributions in the development of human resource in Uganda.
"I am glad to note that the celebration of this Golden Jubilee in Uganda is not mere jamboree, but instead lines with significant development projects -the Aga Khan Academy and the Bujagali hydropower project," Mr Museveni said in his speech read by the vice president.
The President said the student-centred approach to learning and internationally recognised curriculum that the academy will provide is an important tool in the orientation of East Africa towards globalisation.
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist whose latest book deals with challenges of university education at Makerere University, said the academy has the potential of being a landmark because it is devoted to promoting excellence amongst underprivileged students.
"It does not assume that excellence is confined to only those who can afford education but is actually found amongst the vast majority in the population who today cannot afford education," Prof. Mamdani said.
Today marks the end of the Aga Khan's 12- day tour of East Africa where he has left several social and economic investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news08237.php
New Vision (Kampala)
COLUMN
21 August 2007
Posted to the web 22 August 2007
Yoweri Museveni
Kampala
Yesterday the Aga Khan was in Jinja on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone for the Bujagali Hydro-power Project. Below is President Yoweri Museveni's speech
His Highness the Aga Khan, Ministers, Members of Parliament, development partners, chief executives of Bujagali Project Financing Institutions present, chief executives of Industrial Promotion Services, Sithe Global and Salini; ladies and gentlemen.
I welcome you all to Jinja to witness the laying of the Foundation Stone for Bujagali Hydro-power Project. I wish to extend special welcome to His Highness the Aga Khan and congratulate him on this auspicious occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the position of Imam of the Ismaili Muslim Community. I salute all our development partners who have graced this occasion with their presence here in Jinja.
His Highness the Aga Khan has made significant contribution towards the social and economic development of this country. The Aga Khan Foundation for Economic Development's (Akfed) participation in Uganda ranges from manufacturing, finance and banking, the media, social services like education and now infrastructure.
Specifically, in the power sector, Akfed as public- private partnership with Government is operating the West Nile power supply concession under which power supply in the area has been increased from four hours per day to 18 hours per day and also involves the construction of the 3.5 MW Nyagak mini Hydro-power plant, which is expected to be commissioned early next year.
Regarding the Bujagali Hydro-power Project, for which we have laid a foundation stone this morning, Industrial Promotion Services an affiliate of Akfed is leading a consortium called Bujagali Energy Limited, which will be responsible for the development and operation of this project. I understand the Bujagali Project is the largest single infrastructure investment of the Aga Khan Development Network worldwide. I commend His Highness for this remarkable contribution.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bujagali Project has been on our books for a long time. The delay in constructing this power plant plunged this country into a power supply deficit which has greatly affected our economy. As part of the solution to address the power supply shortage, emergency thermal power plants have been installed. This has necessitated provision of huge subsidies from Government to buy down the tariff of thermal generated power.
This state of affairs in the power sector has made us re-examine our energy supply strategies to ensure energy supply security. In particular:
(i) An urgent need has been recognised to mobilise internal financial resources to develop power projects. To this end, an Energy Fund has been established with seed money from the budget.
(ii) Diversification of power supply sources beyond the traditional Hydro-power. These sources include; a) the country's vast renewable energy resources like biomass, solar, wind and geothermal, and b) the recently discovered oil and gas resources in the Albertine Graben. Efforts are already underway to develop the oil and gas resources to cater for our short to medium term power requirements.
(iii) A third opportunity is derived from the available power resources within the expanding East African Community and the environs. The strategy is to build grid interconnections so that there is power flow from places of abundance to power deficit areas.
(iv) An urgent need for professional manpower required to develop the available energy resources was recognised. Recruitment of this manpower is already underway.
Proceeds from the Energy Fund have already been put to good use. In July this year, the Government made available $75m towards the Bujagali Project so that work commences giving adequate time to the lenders to put together the required financing for the project. Once the lenders are ready with the financing, this money will be recovered and injected into other power projects. Government has also been able to provide $17.5m out of the Energy Fund to implement the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Bujagali transmission line.
Let me take this opportunity to express Uganda Government's gratitude to those who have been and are associated with the development of the Bujagali project. Starting with the project sponsors, I wish to thank members of the Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) consortium, namely Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) of Kenya, one of the conglomerates of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development) and Sithe Global of USA, for the commitment shown to the project. I am sure that together with the contractor, Salini, BEL will be able to deliver the project on schedule.
Turning to the financiers, I wish to thank the following: Agence Françoise Developpement (AFD) /Propaco of France; African Development Bank; European Investment Bank; Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO); International Finance Corporation (IFC); International Development Association (IDA) KfW/DEG of Germany; and the banks under the IDA Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) namely Barclays/ABSA and Standard Chartered. I thank you all for the effort you have made in putting together the financing. Last, but not least among the financiers, I wish to thank the Ugandan public who, as I indicated above, are building an Energy Fund, part of whose proceeds has been used to implement some components of the Bujagali Project. The contribution from the Energy Fund over and above the $20m Government contribution inherited from the earlier investment made when we started to develop Bujagali project with AES corporation (Bujagali 1), makes this project a true public-private partnership.
I also wish to thank the multi-institutional Government of Uganda team, which participated in the packaging of the Bujagali project for development, right from the time of selection of the new project sponsor, BEL. This team has conducted the process in a professional and transparent manner. I thank them for a job well done.
Let me briefly touch on the issue of the environment as it relates to the Bujagali Project. The environmental aspects of the Bujagali Project have been extensively studied and debated. I wish to assure the public that the Government of Uganda, working with the project sponsor, BEL will ensure that all the identified mitigation measures are satisfactorily implemented.
As I conclude, I wish to bring to the forefront the investment opportunities in Uganda in the energy and mineral sectors as well as the associated industries. In the petroleum sub-sector, the oil and gas discoveries made in the Albertine Graben are opening up significant opportunities. These include the value addition industries like refining and gas processing together with their attendant service industries.
In the mineral sector we are currently conducting an extensive airborne geophysical survey of the country, which will bring out key mineral targets which would not easily be spotted by conventional mineral exploration means. As results come out, investors both local and foreign should come up and take up the investment opportunities in this emerging mineral sector.
Once again, I congratulate His Highness on this 50th anniversary and wish him many more years. I look forward to a timely commissioning of the Bujagali project.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200708220089.html
Uganda: Electricity Prices to Drop By 50 Percent
The Monitor (Kampala)
22 August 2007
Posted to the web 21 August 2007
Walter Wafula & Jan Ajwang
Jinja
BUJAGALI hydropower dam will cut the cost of electricity by more than half the current rate in the early stages of completion, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan has said.
The spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, who was in the company of President Museveni, was speaking at the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Bujagali Hydro-Electricity Power Project in Jinja yesterday.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (Akfed), through its Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) arm, is one of two key shareholders in the Bujagali dam project. The project is run under the Bujagali Energy Limited consortium. Sithe Global is the other partner. The Aga Khan said that today only 5 per cent of the total population of Uganda, and a mere 1 per cent of the rural population, have access to the grid supply of electric power.
And even those who have access to electric power have suffered the burden of doubled tariffs over the last four years, let alone massive outages.
"But just imagine for a moment the transformation that can take place when the cost of power is cut by more than half, as it will be in the early stages of this project, and then is later cut in half again," he said of the 250MW Bujagali project which is scheduled for completion in 2010.
An initial 50MW of electricity from the dam will be generated after 36 months from September 2007 when construction begins in earnest. Electricity prices will start dropping once that 50MW comes on stream. The prices will continue to reduce as the subsequent 200MW is released onto the national grid monthly in four phases.
The reduction in power tariffs would shrink the cost of manufacturing, encourage investment, employment, enhance development, and improve Uganda's overall economic growth.
The project is estimated to cost $772 million, excluding $43 million for any emergencies that may come up and $46 million which is debt service reserve.
The Ugandan government lent the project $75 million to commence work early enough as the international lenders processed the loan. The government also provided $17.5 million for resettling people along the Bujagali transmission line. Bujagali Energy Limited will pay the government back.
At a recent news conference, Dr Kevin Kariuki, the head of infrastructure at IPS, said Uganda is currently charged between 25-31 US cents for a unit (kilowatt-hour) of power.
"During the debt repayment period, tariffs will reach about 11 US cents per unit and over 30 years of approximately 6-6.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour," Dr Kariuki said.
The soaring tariffs that Ugandans have endured in the previous years are partly associated with the high cost of generating thermal power. Thermal power plants in Kampala and Jinja currently produce 100MW by burning diesel.
These are supplementing the insufficient hydropower from Kiira and Nalubaale dams in Jinja. The country's total power production currently stands at about 230MW while demand is estimated at 350MW. In other words, power supply has fallen behind economic growth.
The Aga Khan said that the current skyrocketing costs have worked to reinforce the cycle of poverty for millions, and badly impaired the ability of Ugandan companies to compete in international markets thereby curtailing the expansion of employment.
"The result of continuing power shortfalls can be a downward spiral of disappointment and discouragement," he said.
The Bujagali power project is the largest single private sector investment in East Africa. It is also the largest independent power project in sub-Saharan Africa, and the largest single power investment ever made by the International Finance Corporation worldwide.
Bujagali Energy Limited has got all the money needed for the project from major world lenders. These include International Finance Corporation ($130 million), European Investment Bank (Euro100 million), African Development Bank ($110 million), Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank ($115 million), Dutch Development Agency ($73 million), French Agency for Development ($73 million), and German Development Bank ($45 million).
President Museveni regretted the delay in the construction of the dam saying that it was one of the biggest mistakes he had made in his political career. Comparing himself to the Biblical Pontius Pilate who handed Jesus Christ to the Jews for crucifixion, the President said: "He participated in the killing of Jesus by keeping quiet. I didn't reject [the sabotage of the project]. I just kept quiet. It was my mistake to keep quiet and like Pontius Pilate I confess and repent all my sins."
He promised that the current energy crisis would not reoccur. "This is sabotage, it is criminal and I assure you that it will not happen again as long as the Movement is in power."
Mr Museveni accused foreign environmentalists and the international community "especially in European and American governments" for fuelling the delay of the power project that should have started 15 years ago.
The President has also previously blamed opposition-leaning members of the Sixth Parliament (1996-2001) for the delay. He said that the current power crisis has made the government to revise its energy supply strategies.
"We are not going to accept the strategy of chasing demand of electricity; instead we must produce it ahead of demand," he said.
The government recently established the Energy Fund to generate money locally to support power projects.
The strategy involves exploiting alternative energy sources such as biomass, solar, wind, and geothermal. Addressing himself to the concerns of environmentalists opposed to the dam, the President said the best way to protect the environment was to provide cheap energy so that people can stop using firewood. The Aga Khan also spoke of the environmental cleanliness of the project. He said hydropower is "clean energy" that advances sustainable development while minimising its environmental impact.
Uganda is not the only African country that is facing a power crisis. The New York Times reported in July that some "25 of the 44 sub-Saharan nations face crippling electricity shortages, a power crisis that some experts call unprecedented".
Bujagali is one of the landmarks on the last leg of the Aga Khan's 12-day East Africa tour in celebration of his Golden Jubilee as Imam of 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims who live around the world.
Today, he will lay a foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in Munyonyo, Kampala. The $50 million academy will devote its programmes to expanding access to education of international excellence for exceptional students in Uganda.
Through Akfed, the Aga Khan is also set to invest in an airline that will ease air transport in Uganda.
http://allafrica.com/stories
Bujagali dam work starts
Tuesday, 21st August, 2007 E-mail article Print article
Museveni and the Aga Khan (right) lay the foundation stone for the Bujagali power project in Jinja yesterday
By Peter Kaujju, Ibrahim Kasita & Carol Natukunda
President Yoweri Museveni and the Aga Khan yesterday laid the foundation stone of what will go down in history as the biggest private investment in East-Africa and the largest independent power project in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Bujagali Dam, with a total price tag of $770m, is expected to generate 250 Megawatt by the time it is completed in 2011. At the launch, which was attended by ministers, MPs and religious leaders, Museveni said the Bujagali project had delayed because of what he called 'criminal sabotage' by politicians.
"How can you talk for 15 years about 250 Megawatts and you say you are serious? This is a disgrace.
You go to a country like USA which produces 800,000 Megawatts. Government officials and politicians must wake up!"
He also blamed himself for keeping quiet about the looming energy crisis. "This was a big mistake in my public career. It was like Pontius Pilate who participated in killing Jesus by keeping quiet. It was my mistake and I repent my sins," he said, drawing bolts of laughter.
The Government injected $75m from the energy fund into the Bujagali project ahead of the lenders' contribution, and another $17.5m for the resettlement of people living along the transmission line, he stressed. "Once the lenders are ready with the financing, this money will be recovered and injected into other power projects."
Hydro-electric power is six times cheaper than thermal energy, which is presently being used to address the power shortage, Museveni pointed out.
"Hydro-power production cost is now at 3.9 US cents per unit while thermal generation is at 23 US cents. This has necessitated the provision of huge subsidies from the Government to bring down the cost of electricity."
The President once again lashed out at environmentalists whom he accused of ignorance.
"How are the 31m people cooking? They are using firewood. The last time I checked, Uganda was destroying 28b cubic meters of wood in the form of enku (firewood) per year. How can you talk about the environment when you do not know that?" he wondered.
He called upon the international community, particularly the Europeans and Americans, to stop listening to 'amateurs' on environmental matters, offering them consultancy services "free of charge" instead.
Besides hydro-power, the President said, the Government was also looking at other renewable energy sources, such as biomass, solar, wind, geo-thermal and gas.
He announced that a gas-fire power plant would be built in Hoima in the short term, which would generate 90 Megawatts, following the recent discovery of gas in the area.
Referring to the Aga Khan's plan to set up an airline in Uganda, he noted that by 2009, the country will produce its own aviation fuel, which will make Entebbe more competitive.
Museveni said he looked forward to commissioning the dam in 2011, adding "and as you know, I will still be around then".
Earlier, the Aga Khan, whose foundation is the project developer and one of the shareholders, called the ground-breaking ceremony a "historic moment" and the opening of a new era in African history.
"It is the largest single power investment ever made by the International Finance Corporation anywhere in the world", the Aga Khan noted.
The IFC, the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank, is contributing $130m to the project.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims confessed it had not been easy to attract private capital for this kind of ambitious project in a developing country.
But with the support of the Ugandan Government, the World Bank and other multi-national lenders, he said, the equity financing was actually over-subscribed.
The Aga Khan Fund had taken up the project because it provided clean and affordable energy, thus advancing sustainable development while minimizing its environmental impact, His Highness explained.
"Everywhere in the world today, people are searching for ways to reduce the threat of global warming both by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and by fighting the blight of deforestation… Hydro electric power fulfills that goal."
He noted that Africa, with one-sixth of the world's population, produced only four percent of the world's electricity.
He also pointed out that only five percent of Uganda's total population and only one percent of the rural population had access to electricity. Even for those who have access, he said, electricity tariffs had more than doubled in the last four years.
"These skyrocketing costs work to reinforce the cycle of poverty for millions and they badly impair the ability of Ugandan companies to compete in international markets."
He predicted that the cost of power as a result of Bujagali would be cut by half in the early stages of the project, and by half again in the later stages.
Energy minister Daudi Migereko stressed that the project was handled in an open, transparent and competitive manner. He also emphasised that they had addressed the concerns of the environmentalists.
"Unfortunately, some of them are prepared to settle for nothing short of stopping the project. But NEMA and other agencies approved the project and are monitoring it."
The local community supported the project since they expect employment, business opportunities and electricity, he noted.
*****
Aga Khan Academy to educate needy students
JAN AJWANG & WALTER WAFULA
KAMPALA
EXCEPTIONAL but needy students in Uganda will have access to education of international standards of excellence once the Aga Khan Academy Kampala is commissioned.
A foundation stone that marked the beginnings of the $50 million project was laid yesterday in Munyonyo on the southern outskirts of Kampala by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and Vice President Gilbert Bukenya.
"As students seek to enter the academies' programme, they will be judged on merit, not by their financial resources," the Aga Khan said.
GOOD START: His Highness The Aga Khan (L) and VP Bukenya celebrate after laying a foundation stone for the academy in Munyonyo yesterday. Photo by Stephen Wandera
The academy will offer primary and secondary education and will be guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, an internationally recognised curriculum renowned for its multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to learning.
The IB is accepted by more than 1,700 of the best universities in the world and is known for its academic excellence and promotion of pluralism.
The academy will also provide professional development of teachers to sustain the programme. The academy programme in Uganda will first focus on training of teachers ahead of the opening of the school.
The academy will be one of a network of 18 other academies in 14 countries in Asia and Africa which will be developed over the next 15 years. Only two international schools offer the IB diploma as an option to A-levels in Uganda.
They are International School in Uganda and Aga Khan High School at Shs1.5 million per term for three terms.
The academy, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, will occupy 44 acres of land including an island donated by Ugandan businessman Amirali Karmali, also known as Mukwano.
The Aga Khan said that the site is ideal for promoting what he called "environmental pluralism" to accompany the appreciation for cultural pluralism amongst students and teachers.
The academy, which is under the Aga Khan Education Services, is an independent project from the currently existing Aga Khan Schools.
The academy launch came a day after the Aga Khan broke ground to start construction of the Bujagali hydropower project in Jinja.
The Aga Khan's visit to Uganda is part of an international tour to celebrate his Golden Jubilee as spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
He said that the academy will complement the power project in building Uganda's future.
"I noted … that lasting economic growth will be self-destructive if it is not matched by the growth of the power supply," he said.
"The same thing is true in the world of human resources, where people supply the power. If economic growth propels us down a road for which our future leaders are not prepared, then we will never sustain our advances. This is why so many of the long-term investments we have been making, throughout the developing world, are investments in education."
President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented by Prof. Bukenya, said the ceremony is a significant milestone in another of the Aga Khan's important contributions in the development of human resource in Uganda.
"I am glad to note that the celebration of this Golden Jubilee in Uganda is not mere jamboree, but instead lines with significant development projects -the Aga Khan Academy and the Bujagali hydropower project," Mr Museveni said in his speech read by the vice president.
The President said the student-centred approach to learning and internationally recognised curriculum that the academy will provide is an important tool in the orientation of East Africa towards globalisation.
Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist whose latest book deals with challenges of university education at Makerere University, said the academy has the potential of being a landmark because it is devoted to promoting excellence amongst underprivileged students.
"It does not assume that excellence is confined to only those who can afford education but is actually found amongst the vast majority in the population who today cannot afford education," Prof. Mamdani said.
Today marks the end of the Aga Khan's 12- day tour of East Africa where he has left several social and economic investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news08237.php
I have spent the last little while browsing these fora and the bulk of postings are press releases copied from newspapers or the AKDN / Ismaili websites. I would request members to not copy and paste because by the time they are posted here they are no longer "news items". Plus, we all have access to the AKDN / Ismaili websites so why repeat these items here?
The idea is to present the information so that it is not only relevant today but 10, 20, 50 years hence. Wouldn't you have liked to see this kind of information about Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah's Diamond Jubilee? It can provide a useful coherent source of information for future students of our history.mwanachi wrote:I have spent the last little while browsing these fora and the bulk of postings are press releases copied from newspapers or the AKDN / Ismaili websites. I would request members to not copy and paste because by the time they are posted here they are no longer "news items". Plus, we all have access to the AKDN / Ismaili websites so why repeat these items here?
Also unlike the 'wananchis' the Ismailis who live in other parts of the world are not familiar with the East African media and do not normally access it. Hence for them this provides a way of knowing all the local news items around the GJ.
Last edited by kmaherali on Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
Aga Khan winds up his East Africa tour
Story by JEFF OTIENO in UGANDA
Publication Date: 8/23/2007
The Aga Khan Wednesday completed the tour of the East African region by launching a multi-million shilling academy in Uganda.
The inauguration of the project, costing upwards of $50 million, makes Uganda the latest member of a group of 14 countries ear-marked to host a network of academies in Africa and Asia.
The academy will be a prototype of the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa built four years ago, chosen as the model of all the 18 institutions to be constructed in the next 15 years, under the Aga Khan Development Network.
It was the second project to be inaugurated in Uganda, after the launch of the $772-million-plus Bujagali hydropower project, the largest privately-funded electricity generation venture in East Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Munyonyo, the Aga Khan said the academies will constitute an inter-related community of learning where students and teachers shared ideas and insights.
"Some, like the first Academy in Mombasa, will be on ocean-side settings, others will be built on high mountain environments, desert terrain or forested areas or as in Kampala at the side of a beautiful lake," said the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
The inauguration of projects in the East African region is part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Aga Khan, who recently completed 50 years as the Imam of the Ismaili community living in all the continents.
The Aga Khan said the academies will teach the international baccalaureate programme, which, he added, will enable students combine a cosmopolitan spirit with strong sense of cultural identity. The Imam, who performed a foundation stone-laying ceremony, together with Uganda's Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, said students admitted at the 18 institutions will be judged on merit and not by their financial resources.
"As students leave this programme, they will move onto quality universities and then to positions of social leadership," he told guests, who included representatives from the public and private sectors.
Prof Bukenya, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, thanked the Aga Khan for his generous contribution in the country's economic and social development.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ... sid=105040
Aga Khan launches academy
Wednesday, 22nd August, 2007
Bukenya talks to the Aga Khan after laying the foundation stone for Aga Khan Academy
By Carol Natukunda and Peter Kaujju
The Aga Khan Development Network is to set up an international academy worth $50m (about sh87b) in Munyonyo, a Kampala surburb.
His Highness the Aga Khan and Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya yesterday laid a foundation stone at the 44-acre plot overlooking Lake Victoria. The land was donated by business tycoon Amirali Karmali popularly known as Mzee Mukwano.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Aga Khan called for the need to ensure life skills in educational institutions, rather than what he described as "indoctrination."
"Education, in the past, has often been a matter of indoctrination - advancing the demands of dogma instead of the disciplines of reason.
"What is required today, in my view, is an educational approach which is the polar opposite of indoctrination - one that nurtures the spirit of anticipation and agility, adaptability and adventure.
He told guests that in an age of increasing change, the most vital thing a student could learn was how to go on learning.
The academy, the Aga Khan said, was one of the planned 18 Aga Khan academies expected to be set up in 14 countries around the world in the next 15 years.
He said the academies would increase access to education based on an international baccalaureate curriculum. The first academy was inaugurated in Kenya in 2003.
The international curriculum, noted the Aga Khan, would honour world-class standards and respect cultural diversity.
"Its approach is to help students combine a cosmopolitan spirit on the one hand, with a strong sense of cultural identity on the other. And is that not one of the secrets to success and fulfillment in our rapidly globalising world?" he asked.
"Everyone, everywhere, faces the challenge of engaging productively and creatively in the global arena of action and ideas, while also respecting the unique character of family roots and cultural traditions.
"The curriculum will encourage its students to practice intellectual humility; recognising that what they do not know will always be greater than what they know - and launching an ardent, lifelong search for the knowledge they will need," the Aga Khan said.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims also commended Uganda as a centre of learning and pledged support to the education sector.
"Uganda is the home of great international institutions like Makerere University, a traditional source of indigenous African leadership. Today, the Government is making a commendable steps to universal education.
Referring to the hydroelectric energy project at Bujagali, the Aga Khan said this was another key step in building Uganda's future.
"I noted, there, that lasting economic growth will be self-destructive if it is not matched by the growth of the power supply.
"The same thing is true in the world of human resources, where people supply the power. If economic growth propels us down a road for which our future leaders are not prepared, then we will never sustain our advances."
In a speech read by Bukenya, President Yoweri Museveni thanked the Aga Khan agency for its development initiatives. He said the challenge was to train job creators, not job seekers and called for career guidance in schools.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/582736
Story by JEFF OTIENO in UGANDA
Publication Date: 8/23/2007
The Aga Khan Wednesday completed the tour of the East African region by launching a multi-million shilling academy in Uganda.
The inauguration of the project, costing upwards of $50 million, makes Uganda the latest member of a group of 14 countries ear-marked to host a network of academies in Africa and Asia.
The academy will be a prototype of the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa built four years ago, chosen as the model of all the 18 institutions to be constructed in the next 15 years, under the Aga Khan Development Network.
It was the second project to be inaugurated in Uganda, after the launch of the $772-million-plus Bujagali hydropower project, the largest privately-funded electricity generation venture in East Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Munyonyo, the Aga Khan said the academies will constitute an inter-related community of learning where students and teachers shared ideas and insights.
"Some, like the first Academy in Mombasa, will be on ocean-side settings, others will be built on high mountain environments, desert terrain or forested areas or as in Kampala at the side of a beautiful lake," said the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
The inauguration of projects in the East African region is part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Aga Khan, who recently completed 50 years as the Imam of the Ismaili community living in all the continents.
The Aga Khan said the academies will teach the international baccalaureate programme, which, he added, will enable students combine a cosmopolitan spirit with strong sense of cultural identity. The Imam, who performed a foundation stone-laying ceremony, together with Uganda's Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, said students admitted at the 18 institutions will be judged on merit and not by their financial resources.
"As students leave this programme, they will move onto quality universities and then to positions of social leadership," he told guests, who included representatives from the public and private sectors.
Prof Bukenya, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, thanked the Aga Khan for his generous contribution in the country's economic and social development.
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/ ... sid=105040
Aga Khan launches academy
Wednesday, 22nd August, 2007
Bukenya talks to the Aga Khan after laying the foundation stone for Aga Khan Academy
By Carol Natukunda and Peter Kaujju
The Aga Khan Development Network is to set up an international academy worth $50m (about sh87b) in Munyonyo, a Kampala surburb.
His Highness the Aga Khan and Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya yesterday laid a foundation stone at the 44-acre plot overlooking Lake Victoria. The land was donated by business tycoon Amirali Karmali popularly known as Mzee Mukwano.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Aga Khan called for the need to ensure life skills in educational institutions, rather than what he described as "indoctrination."
"Education, in the past, has often been a matter of indoctrination - advancing the demands of dogma instead of the disciplines of reason.
"What is required today, in my view, is an educational approach which is the polar opposite of indoctrination - one that nurtures the spirit of anticipation and agility, adaptability and adventure.
He told guests that in an age of increasing change, the most vital thing a student could learn was how to go on learning.
The academy, the Aga Khan said, was one of the planned 18 Aga Khan academies expected to be set up in 14 countries around the world in the next 15 years.
He said the academies would increase access to education based on an international baccalaureate curriculum. The first academy was inaugurated in Kenya in 2003.
The international curriculum, noted the Aga Khan, would honour world-class standards and respect cultural diversity.
"Its approach is to help students combine a cosmopolitan spirit on the one hand, with a strong sense of cultural identity on the other. And is that not one of the secrets to success and fulfillment in our rapidly globalising world?" he asked.
"Everyone, everywhere, faces the challenge of engaging productively and creatively in the global arena of action and ideas, while also respecting the unique character of family roots and cultural traditions.
"The curriculum will encourage its students to practice intellectual humility; recognising that what they do not know will always be greater than what they know - and launching an ardent, lifelong search for the knowledge they will need," the Aga Khan said.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims also commended Uganda as a centre of learning and pledged support to the education sector.
"Uganda is the home of great international institutions like Makerere University, a traditional source of indigenous African leadership. Today, the Government is making a commendable steps to universal education.
Referring to the hydroelectric energy project at Bujagali, the Aga Khan said this was another key step in building Uganda's future.
"I noted, there, that lasting economic growth will be self-destructive if it is not matched by the growth of the power supply.
"The same thing is true in the world of human resources, where people supply the power. If economic growth propels us down a road for which our future leaders are not prepared, then we will never sustain our advances."
In a speech read by Bukenya, President Yoweri Museveni thanked the Aga Khan agency for its development initiatives. He said the challenge was to train job creators, not job seekers and called for career guidance in schools.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/582736
Aga Khan calls for cultural diversity
Thursday, 23rd August, 2007 E-mail article Print article
By Carol Natukunda
HIS Highness the Aga Khan has called upon Ugandans to embrace cultural diversity, saying it is the way forward in the era of globalisation.
“People are learning from people different from them. This has evolved because of the technology. It builds a culture of strength rather than harmful decisions. There is a rich diversity of language, faith and social identities.
“Cultural diversity should be a profound source of strength for this country. Embrace the abundant pluralism and commitment to achieve global excellence,” His Highness added.
The Aga Khan said institutions like Makerere University could be used to emphasise pluralism. “When we invest in education, we are investing in people.”
He made the remarks while hosting President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet to a banquet at Serena Kampala Hotel on Wednesday.
Present were President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic, former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano, Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi, several Cabinet ministers and politicians.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims has been in Uganda for a five-day visit as part of the celebrations to mark his Golden Jubilee.
Museveni congratulated the Aga Khan upon his 50 years of leadership and his development initiatives.
Referring to former President Idi Amin’s dictatorial regime, Museveni assured the Ismaili community that: “You should not be worried.
Nothing will happen again. What happened (then) was that we were not in control. What happened in the past will not be repeated.
“Amin was a colonial sergeant. He was trained by the British. But Ugandans got rid of him,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the audience.
Museveni explained that the Government had encouraged investors to return and rehabilitate their property.
“You (the Aga Khan) are most welcome and we value your contribution. We have a huge investment area, almost the size of India and with a big population which is growing.
“Invest in an economy which will be big in the coming decades.”
Bozize invited the Aga Khan to invest in his country, which he said had a lot of potential in agriculture, mining and forestry.
He also hailed Museveni for his good leadership, saying it had won him global admiration and respect.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/PA/8/13/582983
Thursday, 23rd August, 2007 E-mail article Print article
By Carol Natukunda
HIS Highness the Aga Khan has called upon Ugandans to embrace cultural diversity, saying it is the way forward in the era of globalisation.
“People are learning from people different from them. This has evolved because of the technology. It builds a culture of strength rather than harmful decisions. There is a rich diversity of language, faith and social identities.
“Cultural diversity should be a profound source of strength for this country. Embrace the abundant pluralism and commitment to achieve global excellence,” His Highness added.
The Aga Khan said institutions like Makerere University could be used to emphasise pluralism. “When we invest in education, we are investing in people.”
He made the remarks while hosting President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet to a banquet at Serena Kampala Hotel on Wednesday.
Present were President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic, former Mozambique president Joaquim Chissano, Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi, several Cabinet ministers and politicians.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims has been in Uganda for a five-day visit as part of the celebrations to mark his Golden Jubilee.
Museveni congratulated the Aga Khan upon his 50 years of leadership and his development initiatives.
Referring to former President Idi Amin’s dictatorial regime, Museveni assured the Ismaili community that: “You should not be worried.
Nothing will happen again. What happened (then) was that we were not in control. What happened in the past will not be repeated.
“Amin was a colonial sergeant. He was trained by the British. But Ugandans got rid of him,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the audience.
Museveni explained that the Government had encouraged investors to return and rehabilitate their property.
“You (the Aga Khan) are most welcome and we value your contribution. We have a huge investment area, almost the size of India and with a big population which is growing.
“Invest in an economy which will be big in the coming decades.”
Bozize invited the Aga Khan to invest in his country, which he said had a lot of potential in agriculture, mining and forestry.
He also hailed Museveni for his good leadership, saying it had won him global admiration and respect.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/PA/8/13/582983
There is a photograph of MHI with Prince Amyn and Prince Rahim in Jinja at:
http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2007/20070821nb.html
http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2007/20070821nb.html
New Vision (Kampala)
22 August 2007
Posted to the web 23 August 2007
Ronald Kalyango
Kampala
About 300 children on Monday received free medical treatment as part of the activities to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan's golden jubilee celebrations.
The drive, organised by the Aga Khan Development Network, targeted children aged three to eight, from 12 schools in the districts of Mpigi, Wakiso and Kampala.
They were checked and given free drugs at a mobile clinic at Madrasa Resources Centre in Mengo, Kampala.
The campaign was supported by Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI), Macro Care, Global Touch Organisation and the Aga Khan University, which offered nurses.
"We produce drugs and we couldn't find any better gift to offer the communities other than free drugs," said Antony Kuria, KPI's business manager.
22 August 2007
Posted to the web 23 August 2007
Ronald Kalyango
Kampala
About 300 children on Monday received free medical treatment as part of the activities to commemorate His Highness the Aga Khan's golden jubilee celebrations.
The drive, organised by the Aga Khan Development Network, targeted children aged three to eight, from 12 schools in the districts of Mpigi, Wakiso and Kampala.
They were checked and given free drugs at a mobile clinic at Madrasa Resources Centre in Mengo, Kampala.
The campaign was supported by Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries (KPI), Macro Care, Global Touch Organisation and the Aga Khan University, which offered nurses.
"We produce drugs and we couldn't find any better gift to offer the communities other than free drugs," said Antony Kuria, KPI's business manager.
Dinner -- Uganda -- forwarded as received
YAM - everyone -
> - it was an amazing enchanting surreal evening last nite - Tues 22
> August 2007 - we got invited to the Institutional Leaders Dinner held at
> Yusuf / Farida's place !! They themselves only got to know on Mon
> afternoon that MHI had accepted - so we got a call mon nite to pick up
> our cards from Serena All the sisters are in town - Thra presented
> agift to Prince Rahim - see below.. about 250 guests
>
> MHI arrvd sharp at 8.00pm - Yusuf made a small speech - it was on one
> of his terraces overlooking the pool, - under a marquee - magical with
> te fairy ligths - Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim were there too, Farida was
> sandwiched between MHI & Prince Amyn - she later told us that MHI took 2
> helpings of rice & Daal, had at least 4/6 somosas, a lot of tandoori
> prawns she Prince kept teasing her & would cajole her to speak in
> English.
>
> On the other side of MHI sat Mahmood, Shafik Sachadina, Prince Rahim
> (he is really tall - clears 2" over MHI!!, next to him was Shemin, then
> Itmadi & wife
>
> MHI began by saying how happy he was - said he is rounding this trip
> off in Uganda is v v happy to see smiling faces in Uganda again - talked
> about India & China 50 yrs ago & today - & so Uganda also holds hope for
> the future
>
> Said he saw members from Canada (Aziz Bhaloo & wife), the U.K (the guy
> in the telecast who made the speech) & said I think they are here to
> learn how t be happy in Uganda
>
> He went onto say how he was going to lay the foundation stone for the
> Aga Khan Accademy tomorrow (today! - Z was an usher & said it was
> awesome - i did not get an invite!)) and that he wanted to establish a
> world class academic network - how Allah has given man Intellect - for a
> purpose - use in the correct manner!
>
> He spoke about the future leaders - well educated - he spoke about his
> committment to strong Institutional presence in developing countries and
> that families could go to those countries & find support there, each
> family had the perogative to choose where they wanted to & secure an
> economic sound footing but never to forsake strong ethical values of our
> faith
>
> Then he said he was v v happy & he wanted to see happy smiling faces &
> nobody should expect him to be serious tonite - "I am going to be happy
> & have a good time tonite!"
>
> After dinner Yusuf asked Azmina fish to present MHI with agift - some
> heavy object (we had a very good table - but was sat wth my back to
> Mowla ), next Azmina ITREB gave Prince Amyn a huge painting of Sufic
> tradition, and Prince Rahim got a crested cane carving
> And Yusuf invited MHI to move down to the pool area to have Cappucino.
>
> MHI went to the mike & started by saying - "I thought when Yusuf got up
> he was going to tell us that Dinner was going to be served! What a
> wonderful meal - thank you Yusuf & your family for a wonderful evening
> Thank you for all the lovely gifts--which we always talk about as they
> remind us of different occassions
>
> You know the customs people are going to have a good time - when we
> tell them these are just gifts from the community - they do not belive
> us - they think we are trading in some of these things!! Anyway have
> managed to keep out of prison so far!! Yusuf what was that you said -
> we were going down for "Caaappucinooo" - is that what it is called?!"
>
> With that he motioned to Princes Amyn to walk with him downstaris - we
> all stood up then follwed them to th epol - absolutely Hollywood - palm
> trees - bouquets everywhere & in the pool - weather was perfect it was
> just magical - they had a few gagas doing traditional dance that poor
> MHI had to sit & watch - he had coffee & left afer about 35min - 10.30pm
> & said "khuda hafiz" making eye contact with few of the leaders - I ws
> thinkng of all you & praying for allof you
>
> Tomorrow is the day - 23 Aug - will pray hard for all of us
> & call you alll in the evening.
>
>
> - it was an amazing enchanting surreal evening last nite - Tues 22
> August 2007 - we got invited to the Institutional Leaders Dinner held at
> Yusuf / Farida's place !! They themselves only got to know on Mon
> afternoon that MHI had accepted - so we got a call mon nite to pick up
> our cards from Serena All the sisters are in town - Thra presented
> agift to Prince Rahim - see below.. about 250 guests
>
> MHI arrvd sharp at 8.00pm - Yusuf made a small speech - it was on one
> of his terraces overlooking the pool, - under a marquee - magical with
> te fairy ligths - Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim were there too, Farida was
> sandwiched between MHI & Prince Amyn - she later told us that MHI took 2
> helpings of rice & Daal, had at least 4/6 somosas, a lot of tandoori
> prawns she Prince kept teasing her & would cajole her to speak in
> English.
>
> On the other side of MHI sat Mahmood, Shafik Sachadina, Prince Rahim
> (he is really tall - clears 2" over MHI!!, next to him was Shemin, then
> Itmadi & wife
>
> MHI began by saying how happy he was - said he is rounding this trip
> off in Uganda is v v happy to see smiling faces in Uganda again - talked
> about India & China 50 yrs ago & today - & so Uganda also holds hope for
> the future
>
> Said he saw members from Canada (Aziz Bhaloo & wife), the U.K (the guy
> in the telecast who made the speech) & said I think they are here to
> learn how t be happy in Uganda
>
> He went onto say how he was going to lay the foundation stone for the
> Aga Khan Accademy tomorrow (today! - Z was an usher & said it was
> awesome - i did not get an invite!)) and that he wanted to establish a
> world class academic network - how Allah has given man Intellect - for a
> purpose - use in the correct manner!
>
> He spoke about the future leaders - well educated - he spoke about his
> committment to strong Institutional presence in developing countries and
> that families could go to those countries & find support there, each
> family had the perogative to choose where they wanted to & secure an
> economic sound footing but never to forsake strong ethical values of our
> faith
>
> Then he said he was v v happy & he wanted to see happy smiling faces &
> nobody should expect him to be serious tonite - "I am going to be happy
> & have a good time tonite!"
>
> After dinner Yusuf asked Azmina fish to present MHI with agift - some
> heavy object (we had a very good table - but was sat wth my back to
> Mowla ), next Azmina ITREB gave Prince Amyn a huge painting of Sufic
> tradition, and Prince Rahim got a crested cane carving
> And Yusuf invited MHI to move down to the pool area to have Cappucino.
>
> MHI went to the mike & started by saying - "I thought when Yusuf got up
> he was going to tell us that Dinner was going to be served! What a
> wonderful meal - thank you Yusuf & your family for a wonderful evening
> Thank you for all the lovely gifts--which we always talk about as they
> remind us of different occassions
>
> You know the customs people are going to have a good time - when we
> tell them these are just gifts from the community - they do not belive
> us - they think we are trading in some of these things!! Anyway have
> managed to keep out of prison so far!! Yusuf what was that you said -
> we were going down for "Caaappucinooo" - is that what it is called?!"
>
> With that he motioned to Princes Amyn to walk with him downstaris - we
> all stood up then follwed them to th epol - absolutely Hollywood - palm
> trees - bouquets everywhere & in the pool - weather was perfect it was
> just magical - they had a few gagas doing traditional dance that poor
> MHI had to sit & watch - he had coffee & left afer about 35min - 10.30pm
> & said "khuda hafiz" making eye contact with few of the leaders - I ws
> thinkng of all you & praying for allof you
>
> Tomorrow is the day - 23 Aug - will pray hard for all of us
> & call you alll in the evening.
>
>
Re: Dinner -- Uganda -- forwarded as received
Could Layla or the Admin delete this remark. It is derogatory and not in keeping with the spirit of the GJ.layla wrote: they had a few gagas doing traditional dance that poor
MHI had to sit & watch
> >Forwarded as rec'd...Mubaraki to all...
> >
> >
> >The flights and airports are just chaotic here. Many
> >people are going to the airport with booked tickets and being told
> >that the flight was overbooked(especially Kenya Airways).
> >One family had 12 booked tickets and were given only 5 boarding
> >passes.
> >
> >We have been told that the Ugandan Council has been discouraging
> >every one from going to Uganda for Didar(Aug. 23rd) because they
> >simply just do not have any room. They only have room for 5000 but
> >are
> >already expecting over 6000.
> >
> >Therefore, I have decided to stick to my originally
> >booked ticket to visit Uganda(17th to 19th). Hopefully, I will come
> >back in one piece.
> >
> >Well it was another wonderful didar today. Since you
> >and your friends really enjoyed my previous e-mail, I will give tell
> >you what I remember from today:
> >
> >H.I. was again very happy. He walked around a lot
> >before he sat down.
> >
> >Again he started by giving dua to all our families and jamats.
> >
> >Similar to Nairobi, he talked about 2 needs:
> >
> >1) Standards of living - both in indus. world as well
> >as the devel. world. He said there are many people who do not have
> >acceptable standards of living. His goal is by July 2008 to make a
> >lot of progess in this area.
> >
> >2) Longevity of murids - every one should have
> >confidence to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in their later
> >years.
> >
> >Then he talked about materialism and the committment
> >to faith.
> >
> >He said we should seek knowledge and understanding especially from
> >the Quran. There are 1000's of interpretations of the
> >Quran and under the guidance of the Imam we should seek to
> >understand and
> >gain more knowledge.
> >
> >He emphasized the role of the intellect because this separates man
> >from the rest of the world. He encouraged us to read the new
> >book on the history of thought and faith .
> >
> >Working with other muslims was the next topic and he emphasized
> >ethics.
> >
> >Then he talked about the imp. of the 5 E. African
> >countries to work together to create opportunities and equity.
> >
> >He said that he has confidence the role of Micro
> >credit and Micro insurance . The goal again is to create
> >opportunities and to imp the quality of life.
> >
> >At the end he said how happy he was. Then he asked
> >every one to enjoy today. "Let the warmth outside bring you warmth
> >inside"
> >
> >He said leave your problems aside for today!
> >
> >Then again he talked about how all the jamats should
> >have confidence in their future. And this time he specifically
> >mentioned Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
> >
> >Then before leaving he said "people will tell me if
> >you had fun today, so make sure you do!"
> >
> >Give our regards to all. I don't mind you fwding this
> >e-mail but at the sametime I kind of feel bad because this is not
the
> >"official" or "approved" version and I am not sure if I am going
> >against the
> >rules!
> >
> >
> >
> >The flights and airports are just chaotic here. Many
> >people are going to the airport with booked tickets and being told
> >that the flight was overbooked(especially Kenya Airways).
> >One family had 12 booked tickets and were given only 5 boarding
> >passes.
> >
> >We have been told that the Ugandan Council has been discouraging
> >every one from going to Uganda for Didar(Aug. 23rd) because they
> >simply just do not have any room. They only have room for 5000 but
> >are
> >already expecting over 6000.
> >
> >Therefore, I have decided to stick to my originally
> >booked ticket to visit Uganda(17th to 19th). Hopefully, I will come
> >back in one piece.
> >
> >Well it was another wonderful didar today. Since you
> >and your friends really enjoyed my previous e-mail, I will give tell
> >you what I remember from today:
> >
> >H.I. was again very happy. He walked around a lot
> >before he sat down.
> >
> >Again he started by giving dua to all our families and jamats.
> >
> >Similar to Nairobi, he talked about 2 needs:
> >
> >1) Standards of living - both in indus. world as well
> >as the devel. world. He said there are many people who do not have
> >acceptable standards of living. His goal is by July 2008 to make a
> >lot of progess in this area.
> >
> >2) Longevity of murids - every one should have
> >confidence to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in their later
> >years.
> >
> >Then he talked about materialism and the committment
> >to faith.
> >
> >He said we should seek knowledge and understanding especially from
> >the Quran. There are 1000's of interpretations of the
> >Quran and under the guidance of the Imam we should seek to
> >understand and
> >gain more knowledge.
> >
> >He emphasized the role of the intellect because this separates man
> >from the rest of the world. He encouraged us to read the new
> >book on the history of thought and faith .
> >
> >Working with other muslims was the next topic and he emphasized
> >ethics.
> >
> >Then he talked about the imp. of the 5 E. African
> >countries to work together to create opportunities and equity.
> >
> >He said that he has confidence the role of Micro
> >credit and Micro insurance . The goal again is to create
> >opportunities and to imp the quality of life.
> >
> >At the end he said how happy he was. Then he asked
> >every one to enjoy today. "Let the warmth outside bring you warmth
> >inside"
> >
> >He said leave your problems aside for today!
> >
> >Then again he talked about how all the jamats should
> >have confidence in their future. And this time he specifically
> >mentioned Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
> >
> >Then before leaving he said "people will tell me if
> >you had fun today, so make sure you do!"
> >
> >Give our regards to all. I don't mind you fwding this
> >e-mail but at the sametime I kind of feel bad because this is not
the
> >"official" or "approved" version and I am not sure if I am going
> >against the
> >rules!
> >
Didaar - Uganda- Forwarded as received --
> >UGANDA DEEDAR INFO:
> >>(from memory and Mukhisahebs input lateron ) YAM ALL ,
> >
> >>It's 3.15 pm we have just come back from a wonderful deedar, on the
> >>way back to Nairobi.
> >>We got at the Entebbe airport at 3am from Nairobi, .... Kampala JK
> >>at 4 am this morning for the deedar. 6.10 am.doors opend to JK MHI
> >>arrived at the deedar hall at 10.25 am & the 1st question he asked
> >>mukhi was how is my jamat, to which mukhi replied eagerly waiting for
> >>deedar & HI said then lets go mukhi. Mowla went into his rest room
> >>changed into his golden jubilee robe & started with the walk about in
the downstairs 2 small halls where the international jamat was
> seated.
> >>
> >>At 10.45 am he arrived in the upstairs deedar hall & the jamat was
> >>filled with emotions & tears. He took seat & was presented with the
> >>khilat & then an Afghani gentlmen recited the golden jubilee ayat.
> >>HI was v impressed & asked mukhi if he is from Uganda , to which mukhi
> >>said yes & he asked is he working here & mukhi said yes khudavind &
> >>then he said where? mukhi said IPS , mowla smiled to that. Then Ginan
> >>Ya ali khub was sung in his presence.
> >>
> >>Then the council president Yusuf Karmali made a very touching loyalty
> >>speech in which he re-affirmed our bayat to him & on behalf of the
> >>worldwide jamat asked for forgiveness (HI nodded to this).
> >>Then mowla started the farman with blessings to all of us , all our
> >>families & all our jamats (ameen).He thanked the govt of uganda for
> >>the hospitality & to the volunteers who made his darbar & visit so
> >>memorable he gave blessings & he said MUBARAK to your volunteers.also
> >>thanked Kenya and Tanzania Volunteers for the wonderful preparations
> >>and the wonderful time he had in the past few days in E. Africa
> >>
> >>He talked about how uganda will become a country of opportunity
> >>then talked about things that were uppermost in his mind about poverty
> >>and care of the aged... he he said you know how ambitious your imam
> >>is. and he has big ambitions for his worldwide Jamat re. elimination
of poverty and about taking care of seniors and people with special needs
> >>and he was expecting some results by July 11th 2008
> >He reminded Uganda jamat,and reemphasized about ethics and living under
> >the LAWS of THE LAND He talked about
> >>education & faith , to carry your tasbih everyday call name of Hazarat
> >>Ali & Prophet Mohammad.
> >>At the end he gave dua again to us our families & jamats for good
> >>health , happiness, unity,long ,healthy life, strength on siratal
> >>mustaqim & above all he said for mushkil asan (ameen).
> >>He sat down & then was presented with a vase from 2 decades ago , the
> >>vase was from china & had allah, ali inscrbed on it .
> >>When HI saw it he said it reminded him of a hadith about education,if
> >>you have to even go to China to get education then do so..he once
> >>again thanked the jamat for the gift & then for the nazarana he
> >>thanked the whole worldwide jamat & gave blessings.
> >>He then said i have been told my jamat has been playing dandiaraas for
> >>the past few days & he said your imam thoughts are with you & think
> >>as though the imam is with you playing dandiaraas. HI was extremely
> >>happy with the Uganda jamat.
> >>He departed from deedar hall went downstairs ,asked Mukhisaheb twice
> >>if he should do the walk about downstairs again and then did, and did
> >>take his time doing so ,both times,........( the best part for those
> >>of us who were there) & then into his lounge . He changed his
> >>robe & came out & said to mukhi i am stealing a few samosas , a few
> >>grapes & i had a glass of juice. Then before leaving he told mukhi to
> >>tell the jamat how happy he was with the jamat & said KHUDAHAFIZ
> >>Mubaraki to you all
> >>(from memory and Mukhisahebs input lateron ) YAM ALL ,
> >
> >>It's 3.15 pm we have just come back from a wonderful deedar, on the
> >>way back to Nairobi.
> >>We got at the Entebbe airport at 3am from Nairobi, .... Kampala JK
> >>at 4 am this morning for the deedar. 6.10 am.doors opend to JK MHI
> >>arrived at the deedar hall at 10.25 am & the 1st question he asked
> >>mukhi was how is my jamat, to which mukhi replied eagerly waiting for
> >>deedar & HI said then lets go mukhi. Mowla went into his rest room
> >>changed into his golden jubilee robe & started with the walk about in
the downstairs 2 small halls where the international jamat was
> seated.
> >>
> >>At 10.45 am he arrived in the upstairs deedar hall & the jamat was
> >>filled with emotions & tears. He took seat & was presented with the
> >>khilat & then an Afghani gentlmen recited the golden jubilee ayat.
> >>HI was v impressed & asked mukhi if he is from Uganda , to which mukhi
> >>said yes & he asked is he working here & mukhi said yes khudavind &
> >>then he said where? mukhi said IPS , mowla smiled to that. Then Ginan
> >>Ya ali khub was sung in his presence.
> >>
> >>Then the council president Yusuf Karmali made a very touching loyalty
> >>speech in which he re-affirmed our bayat to him & on behalf of the
> >>worldwide jamat asked for forgiveness (HI nodded to this).
> >>Then mowla started the farman with blessings to all of us , all our
> >>families & all our jamats (ameen).He thanked the govt of uganda for
> >>the hospitality & to the volunteers who made his darbar & visit so
> >>memorable he gave blessings & he said MUBARAK to your volunteers.also
> >>thanked Kenya and Tanzania Volunteers for the wonderful preparations
> >>and the wonderful time he had in the past few days in E. Africa
> >>
> >>He talked about how uganda will become a country of opportunity
> >>then talked about things that were uppermost in his mind about poverty
> >>and care of the aged... he he said you know how ambitious your imam
> >>is. and he has big ambitions for his worldwide Jamat re. elimination
of poverty and about taking care of seniors and people with special needs
> >>and he was expecting some results by July 11th 2008
> >He reminded Uganda jamat,and reemphasized about ethics and living under
> >the LAWS of THE LAND He talked about
> >>education & faith , to carry your tasbih everyday call name of Hazarat
> >>Ali & Prophet Mohammad.
> >>At the end he gave dua again to us our families & jamats for good
> >>health , happiness, unity,long ,healthy life, strength on siratal
> >>mustaqim & above all he said for mushkil asan (ameen).
> >>He sat down & then was presented with a vase from 2 decades ago , the
> >>vase was from china & had allah, ali inscrbed on it .
> >>When HI saw it he said it reminded him of a hadith about education,if
> >>you have to even go to China to get education then do so..he once
> >>again thanked the jamat for the gift & then for the nazarana he
> >>thanked the whole worldwide jamat & gave blessings.
> >>He then said i have been told my jamat has been playing dandiaraas for
> >>the past few days & he said your imam thoughts are with you & think
> >>as though the imam is with you playing dandiaraas. HI was extremely
> >>happy with the Uganda jamat.
> >>He departed from deedar hall went downstairs ,asked Mukhisaheb twice
> >>if he should do the walk about downstairs again and then did, and did
> >>take his time doing so ,both times,........( the best part for those
> >>of us who were there) & then into his lounge . He changed his
> >>robe & came out & said to mukhi i am stealing a few samosas , a few
> >>grapes & i had a glass of juice. Then before leaving he told mukhi to
> >>tell the jamat how happy he was with the jamat & said KHUDAHAFIZ
> >>Mubaraki to you all
