Africa-Press – Uganda. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Indian community in Uganda for its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth, despite constituting less than one percent of the population.
Speaking during the Diwali celebrations held at State House Entebbe on Sunday, October 26, President Museveni lauded the community’s investment in industry and services, which he said has strengthened Uganda’s economy and expanded the country’s tax base.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Indian community contributes at least 65 percent of Uganda’s income tax revenue.
“The economy is growing on account of your entrepreneurial capacities,” President Museveni said. “By investing in factories and services, you are helping us create a middle and skilled working class and a revenue base for government. From this, we can get money to educate Ugandans so that through business and education, we can create a modern society. I therefore appreciate what you are doing.”
The President also expressed gratitude to the Indian community for rebuilding trust in Uganda after the 1972 expulsion of Asians under former President Idi Amin Dada, which saw over 80,000 Indians forced to leave the country.
“I went to an Indian temple in London and found some Indians lamenting about Amin’s actions,” Museveni recounted. “I told them Amin did more damage to Africans than Indians; he destroyed our economy and killed several people. I am therefore very glad that you came back when we called you. Thank you for trusting Uganda again.”
By 1972, Uganda’s Indian population stood at around 80,000, with property holdings estimated at 40,000. Today, the community is about half that size but remains a driving force in Uganda’s economy through investments in production, supply chains, and job creation.
Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Singh Rawat, thanked President Museveni for publicly recognising the Indian community’s role in Uganda’s socio-economic development.
“We welcome your continued encouragement for investment in value addition and manufacturing,” Rawat said. “We also commend the steps taken under your administration to restore property rights and welcome back members of the diaspora who have revived economic activity.”
The Minister for Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, also praised the community for “shielding our economy” and thanked President Museveni for maintaining a favorable investment climate.
“We should use this year’s Diwali to attract other strategic friends to join you in investing in Uganda,” she said.
Paresh Mehta, Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, echoed Museveni’s sentiments, saying that the expulsion of Asians in 1972 hurt Uganda more than it hurt the Indian community.
“Uganda lost a part of its productive and enterprising spirit,” Mehta said. “But under your Excellency’s leadership, the vision has transformed Uganda into a country of opportunity and progress.”
Prominent Indian families such as the Ruparelias, Madhvanis, and Mehtas continue to play key roles in Uganda’s industrial and social development.
Uganda and India share longstanding ties that extend across trade, investment, technology, and defense cooperation. Bilateral trade between the two countries.
Beyond business, the Indian community in Uganda has been active in humanitarian efforts sending 238 Ugandan children to India for life-saving heart surgeries and donating over 65,000 units of blood through community drives, including recent ones at Singo Military Training School and Sai Centre in Kampala.
This year’s event marked the 8th Diwali Dinner hosted by President Museveni since 2013.
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