Entebbe — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded Uganda’s Indian community for their exceptional contribution to the country’s economic growth, describing them as a key pillar of industrialisation, job creation, and tax revenue.
According to figures from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Indian community, though constituting less than one percent of Uganda’s population, contributes at least 65 percent of the nation’s income tax revenue.
President Museveni made the remarks on Sunday, October 26, 2025, during the Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebrations held at State House, Entebbe.
“The economy is growing on account of your entrepreneurial capacities,” the President said. “By investing in factories and services, you are helping us create a middle and skilled working class, as well as a tax base from which the government raises money to educate Ugandans. Through business and education, we can build a modern society. I therefore appreciate what you are doing.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Trust
President Museveni commended the Indian community for rebuilding their trust in Uganda despite the trauma of the 1972 economic expulsion under Idi Amin Dada, which saw over 80,000 Indians forced to leave the country.
“I once visited an Indian temple in London and met some who were lamenting about Amin’s actions,” he recalled. “I told them that Amin did more damage to Africans than Indians—he destroyed our economy and killed many people. I am very glad you came back when we called you. Thank you for trusting Uganda again.”
Before the expulsion, Uganda had an Indian population of about 80,000, with property holdings estimated at 40,000 titles. Today, the community numbers around 40,000 members, many of whom have reestablished thriving enterprises that power Uganda’s production, supply chains, and employment.
Economic and Social Contributions
Prominent Indian families such as the Ruparelias, Madhvanis, and Mehtas continue to play leading roles in Uganda’s industrial and social transformation.
One remarkable example is Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, who returned to Uganda with just USD 25,000 (Shs 86 million) and has since built a business empire now valued at USD 1.6 billion, made possible through Uganda’s stable and investor-friendly environment.
At the bilateral level, Uganda and India enjoy deep historical ties that have matured into wide-ranging cooperation across trade, investment, technology transfer, defence, and development. Annual trade between the two countries has now surpassed USD 1.2 billion.
The Indian community has also made notable humanitarian contributions. To date, they have facilitated life-saving heart surgeries for 238 Ugandan children in India, with another 100 scheduled for next year. They have also collectively donated over 65,000 units of blood through annual Diwali blood drives — including recent ones at Singo Military Training School in Nakaseke and the Sai Centre on Mawanda Road in Kampala.
Leaders Commend Indian-Ugandan Partnership
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Singh Rawat, thanked President Museveni for his public acknowledgement of the community’s contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic progress.
“We welcome your continued encouragement for investment in value addition and manufacturing,” he said. “We also commend your administration’s efforts to restore property rights and welcome back members of our diaspora who have revived economic activity.”
The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, also praised the Indian community for “shielding Uganda’s economy” and lauded President Museveni for creating an enabling business climate. “We should use this year’s Diwali to attract other strategic friends to invest in Uganda,” she added.
Mr Paresh Mehta, Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the 1972 expulsion hurt Ugandans more than the Asians themselves. “Uganda lost part of its productive and enterprising spirit,” he said. “But under Your Excellency’s leadership, the vision has transformed Uganda into a land of opportunity and progress.”
The 2025 Diwali celebration marks the 8th Diwali Dinner hosted by President Museveni since 2013 — a tradition that underscores the enduring partnership between Uganda and its Indian community.