President Yoweri Museveni welcomed the Indian Community in Uganda to a large supper at State House Entebbe yesterday (Friday) as part of the Diwali celebrations, an Indian event that commemorates the spiritual victory of light over darkness among Indian community beliefs.
"I organised a Diwali dinner for Uganda's Indian community at State House Entebbe. Gujaratis have been at the forefront of Uganda's social and economic progress for many decades." Only Amin considered them a nuisance; he did not recognise the cycle of wealth creation "On November 4, 2022, the President tweeted.
"I congratulate you on your Diwali this year and want you to know that Ugandans from all across the country are overjoyed with you; you have made a significant contribution to our economy," he said.
Mr. Museveni praised the Indian community during the dinner, specifically mentioning businessman Sudhir Ruparelia (Chairman and Founder of Ruparelia Group of Companies) and tycoon Azhar Jaffer (Managing Director of Fairway Hotel), saying that they, along with other Indian investors, have transformed Uganda socially and economically through wealth creation.
Museveni also referred to Uganda's long history with Indians, remembering interactions with the first four Indian families that arrived in Ankole and described the relationship as symbiotic.
"At first, we had four Indian families, and there was no conflict; the link was symbiotic since we were performing varied jobs in wealth building," he said, adding that "those who removed Indians were parasites who did not respect the chain of wealth creation."
The President said that there are no conflicts between money creators and wealth consumers since they complement one another, citing the expulsion of Indians from Uganda by wealthy individuals who had no grasp of the manufacturing process.
President Museveni also assured the Indian community and the rest of Uganda that Ebola would be contained, allaying fears of a state of emergency. "There will be no Ebola lockdown," he said emphatically. He asked people to be extra vigilant and to follow the standard processes in place to fight the spread of Ebola.
"There should be no difficulties with children whose Indian parents are already citizens of Uganda; even those who are not citizens but often visit Uganda for business should be permitted multiple entry visas in the country," Mr. Museveni stated.
The president also urged the Indian diaspora to increase their investments in steel and agriculture, since these are critical areas for the country's future growth.
"Finally, I'd want to urge more Indian investors to come here; we still need investment in value-added sectors such as dairy, steel, agriculture, tanning, and others. I congratulate and wish the Indian community a pleasant Christmas season.
H.E. Ajay Kumar, Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, commented on Uganda and India's long-standing friendship. He lauded the president's unwavering support for the country's Indian minority.
Mr. G.N. Mohan Rao, Chairman of the Indian Association in Uganda, commended the president for his support of the Indian community. He said that the invitation to celebrate with Indians is a sign of unity and inclusivity, as well as a proof of the country's growth.
Sudhir Ruparelia, a businessman, also praised the president for his kindness in celebrating Diwali with Indians. He praised the president for respecting various cultures and creating an environment conducive to trade and peace in the country.
Since the Indian communities' return to Uganda in the 1980s and 1990s, the community has reconstructed itself and began to work hard to economically build the country. Over 27000 Indians today reside peacefully in Uganda, and both communities aid each other socially and economically, contributing to the country's prosperity.
Despite comprising just around 1% of Uganda's population, it is estimated that Indians provide up to 65% of the country's tax profits. Sudhir Ruparelia, of Indian heritage, is Uganda's richest person, with an estimated fortune of more than $1 billion.