President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Uganda’s Indian community for its contribution to the country’s economy, noting that despite making up less than one percent of the population, it contributes over 65 percent of the nation’s income tax revenue.
Museveni made the remarks at State House Entebbe on Sunday, October 26, 2025, during celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights, where he praised the community for investing in factories and services that continue to drive Uganda’s economic transformation.
“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 revenue base for the government,” the President said. “Through business and education, we can create a modern society. I therefore appreciate what you are doing.”
He also thanked the Indian community for restoring their trust in Uganda after the 1972 expulsion by Idi Amin Dada that forced over 80,000 Indians to leave the country. Museveni recalled meeting some of the expelled families in London and assured them that Uganda had since moved forward. “I told them that Amin did more damage to Africans than Indians; he damaged our economy and killed several people. I am very glad that you came back when we called you. Thank you for trusting Uganda again,” he said.
As of 2025, Uganda’s Indian community is estimated at 40,000 members, many of whom are key players in production, supply chains, and employment across the country. Notable families such as the Ruparelias, Madhvanis and Mehtas have become central to Uganda’s economic and social development.
One of the most prominent success stories is that of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, who returned to Uganda with only $25,000 (about Shs86 million) and has since built a business empire valued at $1.6 billion.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Singh Rawat, expressed appreciation for the President’s recognition of the community’s contribution to Uganda’s growth. “We welcome your continued encouragement for investment in value-addition and manufacturing. We also commend the steps taken under your administration to restore property rights and welcome back members of the diaspora,” he said.
The Minister for Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, commended both the Indian community and President Museveni for maintaining an enabling environment for investment. “We should use this year’s Diwali to attract other strategic friends to join you in investing in Uganda,” she said.
Paresh Mehta, the chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, echoed similar sentiments. “Uganda lost a part of its productive and enterprising spirit, but it is the same land, the same people, only the vision has changed. Under your Excellency’s leadership, the vision has transformed Uganda into a country of opportunity and progress,” he said.
Beyond business, the Indian community continues to contribute to Uganda’s social welfare. The community has sponsored 238 Ugandan children for life-saving heart surgeries in India, with another 100 set to benefit next year. They have also donated over 65,000 units of blood through drives organized during Diwali celebrations.
Uganda and India maintain strong bilateral ties in trade, investment, technology, and defence cooperation, with trade volumes now surpassing $1.2 billion. The 2025 Diwali Dinner marks the eighth such event hosted by President Museveni since 2013, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two nations.
