Uganda, India Mark 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations in New Delhi

New Delhi — On Saturday, 29th November 2025, Uganda and India celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations at a colourful ceremony held in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised with celebrations for Uganda’s 63rd Independence anniversary by the Uganda High Commission, drawing high-level government officials, diplomats, development partners, business leaders, and members of the Indian and Ugandan communities.

The commemoration featured vibrant cultural performances, raffle awards, and a ceremonial cake-cutting, symbolising six decades of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, represented the Government of Uganda. He applauded India for its continued support toward Uganda’s development journey, saying Uganda values the “continued support towards Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation agenda.”

Hon. Mulimba also highlighted the vast potential for deepened cooperation, particularly in manufacturing, agricultural value addition, tourism, and hospitality. He emphasised that Uganda’s diverse tourism portfolio presents strong investment opportunities for Indian companies, pointing to attractions such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, the Big Five safaris, mountaineering, white-water rafting, and religious tourism.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, H.E. Prof. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, welcomed guests and reflected on the historical origins of Uganda–India relations. She traced the connection back to the early 1900s when Indians arrived in Uganda to participate in the construction of the Uganda Railway.

She underscored their contributions to Uganda’s social and political evolution, noting that Indians, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and indigenous Ugandans played key roles that “culminated in Uganda’s independence on 9th October 1962.”

“The Uganda–India partnership has grown over six decades through the opening of High Commissions in 1965, high-level visits by leaders of both nations, and collaboration across multiple sectors,” she said.

She highlighted notable recent achievements, including Uganda’s successful hosting of the 19th NAM and Third South Summits in January 2024, supported by India’s administrative and logistical expertise, the establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Jinja Campus in 2023 and ongoing cooperation in the health sector, including India’s donation of the Bhabhatron Cancer Therapy machine to the Uganda Cancer Institute and its support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uganda Airlines, represented by Country Manager Lenny Malasi, emphasised the national carrier’s growing role in strengthening India–Africa connectivity. Following a new interline agreement with Air India, passengers can now connect seamlessly from multiple Indian cities to Uganda and across Africa. During the celebration, two guests won return tickets to “Fly the Crane to the Pearl of Africa,” presented by Hon. Mulimba.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of India, Chief Guest Hon. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and External Affairs, praised the enduring relationship between the two countries.

He highlighted a “spirit of trust and shared aspirations,” grounded in sustained political engagement, economic cooperation, development assistance, and strong people-to-people bonds.

Over the past six decades, Uganda and India have strengthened cooperation across various sectors, including political, economic, defence, health, education, cultural, and social areas. The partnership continues to foster sustainable development, regional integration, and inclusive economic growth, positioning Uganda as a growing hub for investment and tourism.

The ceremony concluded with the launch of a commemorative publication, “60 Years of Uganda–India Diplomatic Relations,” produced by Diplomacy and Beyond Magazine.