The Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Amin Mawji signed the condolence book at one of Mukwano offices at Old Port Bell Road in Kampala yesterday.

The Mukwano family’s generosity under the patriarchy of Amirali Karmal passionately known as Mzee Mukwano, is legendary. I know from my first-hand experience of their support to many of the development programmes of the Aga Khan Development Network and their broad support to many communities across Uganda. It is a tradition that his children, including Alykhan and Rukhsana, carry on with grace.

In the few years that I have been in Uganda, I have lost count of the number of people who have shared with me stories of how their lives, and the lives of their communities and families, have been transformed by the generosity of Mzee Mukwano and his family.

More remarkable was his ability to offer his hand of friendship diminishing the dignity of the beneficiary. Mzee Mukwano is named after the hand of friendship has set an example for us all.

The nation has lost a loyal citizen this week. The passing of Mzee Mukwano marks a sad moment for the nation and for the multitudes of people whose lives were touched by this remarkable man.

Our world is a poorer place for his passing on. May his soul rest in peace.