The Aga Khan was keen to increase investments in Uganda in the health, education, hotels, aviation, and energy sectors because the country is key as one of the recognised homes of the Ismaili community around the world, complete with a fully-fledged diplomatic mission.

The EastAfrican was born out of the Aga Khan's long-held vision to create a cross-border publication serving Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The late spiritual leader was closely involved in the paper's development, from its masthead design to the quality of its content.

Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims, died on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88. Khan, who was born Prince Shah Karim Al Husseini, assumed leadership at 20 while studying at Harvard and led the global Ismaili Muslim community for over six decades.

Prince Karim later became widely recognised as Aga Khan IV, serving as the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi joined world leaders in mourning his passing.