By Awor Fatuma
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Indian community in Uganda for their significant contribution to the country’s economic growth, noting that despite forming less than one percent of the national population, they contribute at least 65 percent of Uganda’s income tax revenue.
Speaking during the Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebrations at State House Entebbe on Sunday, President Museveni applauded the community’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and their continued investment in Uganda’s industrial and service sectors.
“The economy is growing on account of your entrepreneurial capacities. By investing in factories and services, you are helping us to create a middle and skilled working class and a reliable revenue base from which the government can fund education and development. I therefore appreciate what you are doing,” Museveni said.
The President thanked the Indian community for maintaining faith in Uganda despite the historical expulsion of Asians in 1972 by then-President Idi Amin Dada, an event that saw about 80,000 Indians forced out of the country.
“Amin did more damage to Africans than to Indians. He destroyed our economy and killed many people. I am glad that you trusted Uganda again and returned when we called you back,” the President added.
According to reports from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Indian community currently numbers around 40,000 members. Many are engaged in businesses that support manufacturing, supply chains, and job creation across the country.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Singh Rawat, thanked President Museveni for recognizing the community’s role in national development and for creating a conducive investment environment.
“We commend the steps your government has taken to restore property rights and welcome back members of our diaspora who have since revived economic activity,” Ambassador Rawat said.
Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, also lauded the Indian community for “shielding the economy,” while calling for more Indian investors to explore Uganda’s opportunities.
“We should use this year’s Diwali to attract more strategic friends to invest in Uganda,” she said.
Mr. Paresh Mehta, Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, echoed the President’s sentiment that the 1972 expulsion hurt Uganda more than the Indian community.
“Uganda lost a part of its productive and enterprising spirit. But under your leadership, Your Excellency, Uganda has become a country of opportunity and progress,” Mehta remarked.
Prominent Indian families such as the Ruparelias, Madhvanis, and Mehtas continue to be pillars of Uganda’s industrial and social transformation. Notably, billionaire businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, who returned to Uganda with only USD 25,000, has built a business empire now valued at over USD 1.6 billion under the conducive policies of the NRM government.
On a broader scale, Uganda and India enjoy deep bilateral ties that span trade, investment, technology transfer, and defense cooperation. Trade volumes between the two nations have now surpassed USD 1.2 billion annually.
Beyond business, the Indian community has contributed immensely to Uganda’s social welfare, funding 238 children’s heart surgeries in India, donating 65,000 units of blood, and planning to support another 100 children next year.
This year’s Diwali celebration marks the 8th Diwali Dinner hosted by President Museveni, reflecting a tradition of friendship and partnership between Uganda and the Indian community.