BY FARIDAH N KULUMBA
Africa-Press-Uganda Indian High Commissioner to Uganda H.E.A. Ajay Kumar on 26 January 2022, revealed that the High Commission in conjunction with the Indian community in Uganda is planning to organize an exhibition of products and services of Indian Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda in March this year, to strengthen the two nations relations.
H.E Kumar revealed this to Africa-Press at the Indian High Commission in Kampala at the commemoration of 73rd Indian Republic day, while speaking about some recent developments in India-Uganda relations and some initiatives of the High Commission.
Second plan
India also plans to organize a state cultural festival in which 8 to 10 selected Indian states will display the depth and richness of their culture in Uganda.
About India Republic Day
On 26 January 1950, India was established as the largest democratic republic and Indians put into effect a Constitution that is an inspired document of their collective vision. The diversity and vibrancy of the country’s democracy are appreciated worldwide. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation that is celebrated every year as Republic Day.
India-Uganda relations
Uganda established diplomatic relations in 1965 and each maintains a High Commission in the other’s capital. Both nations maintain a good level of interaction at various levels. Uganda hosts a large Indian community and India–Uganda relations cover a broad range of sectors including political, economic, commercial, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
Economic relations
Indians and persons of Indian origin play a key role in the Ugandan economy in the manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. Indian businesses employ thousands of Ugandans and have emerged as one of the largest investors and trading partners of Uganda.
Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to $728 million in 2010–11, with the balance of trade heavily in India’s favor with Ugandan exports to India accounting for only $16.7 million of the total trade. Uganda imports almost 30% of its pharmaceuticals from India while India emerged as the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investments for Uganda in 2011.
E-learning
In 2021, Uganda’s Minister of State for External affairs Oryem Okello inaugurated India’s E-learning centre named E-Vidya Bharati in Makerere University in Kampala for Ugandan students who are desirous to study in Indian universities to study and acquire certificates without going to India
