By Diana. N. Kintu.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has publicly praised the Indian community in Uganda for its significant contributions to the nation’s economy, highlighting that they contribute a large portion of the country’s income tax. The President made these remarks during the annual Diwali Festival of Lights celebrations held at State House, Entebbe, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
According to reports from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, which were cited at the event, the Indian community, which makes up less than one percent of Uganda’s population, is responsible for contributing approximately 65 percent of the nation’s income tax revenue. This financial support, the President stated, is a key shield for the economy.
“The economy is growing on account of your entrepreneurial capacities,” President Museveni told the gathering. He explained that by investing in factories and services, the Indian community is helping to create a middle class, a skilled working class, and a revenue base for the government. “From this, we can get money to educate Ugandans so that, through business and education, we can create a modern society. I therefore appreciate what you are doing,” he said.
The President also directly addressed a difficult chapter in Uganda’s history: the 1972 expulsion of the Asian community by former President Idi Amin. He thanked the community for returning and trusting Uganda again after his government invited them back.
“I went to an Indian temple in London and found some Indians there who were lamenting about Amin’s actions,” President Museveni shared. “I told them that Amin did more damage to Africans than Indians; he damaged our economy and killed several people. I am therefore very glad that you came back when we called you. Thank you for trusting Uganda again.”
This sentiment was echoed by the Chairperson of the Indian Association of Uganda, Mr. Paresh Mehta, who agreed that the expulsion was “more painful to Ugandans than it was for Asians themselves.” He noted, “Uganda lost a part of its productive and enterprising spirit, but it is the same land, the same people, only the vision has changed. But under your Excellency’s leadership, the vision has transformed Uganda into a country of opportunity and progress.”
The report from the event highlighted specific Indian families as pillars of Uganda’s industrial and social progress. It pointed to the Ruparelia, Madhvani, and Mehta families as examples. To illustrate this journey, the story of Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia was mentioned. He reportedly arrived in Uganda with a modest capital of $25,000 but, through opportunities provided in the country, built a business empire now valued at $1.6 billion. This story was used to show how individual success stories within the community have directly contributed to Uganda’s broader economic landscape, creating jobs and supporting various sectors.
The article highlights that the community’s impact extends beyond taxes and business. The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Singh Rawat, expressed gratitude for the President’s acknowledgement. He also commended the steps taken to restore property rights and welcome back the diaspora.
The community’s humanitarian efforts were also noted. So far, they have facilitated life-saving heart surgeries in India for 238 Ugandan children and their caretakers, with plans to send 100 more next year. Additionally, through ongoing drives, the community has collectively donated 65,000 units of blood, including recent donations at the Singo Military Training School and in Kampala.
On the social media platform X (formerly twitter), the President reiterated his message, posting: “Maama Janet and I hosted our Indian brothers and sisters… I am glad that when we called them back after Amin’s mistakes, they returned and trusted Uganda again.”
The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, also commended the Indian community for “shielding our economy” and called for more Indian investors to come to Uganda. This was the 8th such Diwali dinner hosted by President Museveni since 2013, signalling a continued commitment to the relationship between the Indian community and the nation at large.