Uganda's Indian community contributes 65 percent of the nation's income tax revenue despite representing less than one percent of the population. President Yoweri Museveni praised their economic impact at International Diwali celebrations held on October 26 at State House, Entebbe. He highlighted how entrepreneurs like Dr Sudhir Ruparelia built substantial businesses after arriving with modest capital.
Museveni condemned the 1972 expulsion of 80,000 Indians by former dictator Idi Amin as illegitimate and harmful to Uganda's economy. The president welcomed the community's return and encouraged additional investment in the manufacturing and tourism sectors. Indian High Commissioner Singh Rawat credited Museveni's leadership for creating favorable business conditions.
The Indian community has provided humanitarian assistance by donating 65,000 blood units and funding heart surgeries for 238 children in Uganda. Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeds $1.2 billion. The celebration marked the eighth annual Diwali event hosted by Museveni since 2013.
Museveni condemned the 1972 expulsion of 80,000 Indians by former dictator Idi Amin as illegitimate and harmful to Uganda's economy. The president welcomed the community's return and encouraged additional investment in the manufacturing and tourism sectors. Indian High Commissioner Singh Rawat credited Museveni's leadership for creating favorable business conditions.
The Indian community has provided humanitarian assistance by donating 65,000 blood units and funding heart surgeries for 238 children in Uganda. Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeds $1.2 billion. The celebration marked the eighth annual Diwali event hosted by Museveni since 2013.
