Arua leaders commend Indian community for driving regional development

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Leaders in Arua city have lauded the Indian community in the West Nile region for their contribution to regional and national development as they marked India’s 77th Constitution Day in the city.

Indians mark Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, annually on November 26.

The day commemorates the formal adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.

It serves as a reminder of the Constitution’s adoption and inspires citizens to uphold their rights, duties and shared responsibility while strengthening India’s democratic foundations and collective national identity.

Preksha Sharma, a student at Arua Public School who has lived most of her life in Uganda, shared how she learnt about India’s Constitution through her parents and personal initiative.

“I stay very far from my country so I had to learn about my constitution and my country from my parents, relatives and through various literature and once in a while when I go to India I read and watch documentation about the constitution the laws are really strict because it safeguards from being criminals and back here in Uganda I am well equipped with Ugandan laws to ensure that I am safe,” Sharma said.

While officiating at the Indian Republic Day celebrations held at the Indian temple in Arua city, the Arua city resident city commissioner, Maj. Betty Otekat Akello cautioned Indian businesspeople engaged in high-risk businesses to prioritise security during their transactions to avoid robbery.

Arua city RCC adressing the Indian community during their Republic day celebration at their Hindu Temple in Arua city.

“I wonder why some of you take risks especially those who are dealing in gold and some sophisticated businesses that may require security to intervene and support in one way or the other, recently one of your colleague was robbed of lamp some amount of money, please stop risking yourselves by moving with a lot of money whenever you need security contact us to ensure a conducive business environment for you,” Otekat warned.

The Arua Central Division town clerk, Malik Drakuma, appreciated the Indian community for its role in contributing to the city’s economy through mentoring local entrepreneurs and consistently paying taxes.

“We are proud of the Indian community. You have been supportive of this city, ranging from paying taxes, cleaning the town, and contributing generously. You have created a lot of business opportunities for our locals; they have become more powerful entrepreneurs and have mastered the business ideas,” Drakuma said.

Meanwhile, the West Nile regional immigration officer, Harrison Ssali Kyumya, encouraged members of the Indian community to utilise the established immigration systems in the region to regularise their stay in the country.

“When I came to Arua, we did not have a centre that could handle you in your quest to stay legally in the country. You had to travel to Gulu and Kampala in order to fulfil your obligation of legality, so in 2023, we had to establish a system that can handle you in giving permits and passes. Please, I request that you utilise the system and ensure that you stay legally in the country,” Ssali urged.

Speaking during the celebrations, the chairperson of the Indian community in West Nile, Lila Keshwala, appreciated the hospitality extended to them by the local community and appealed for continued unity during their stay in Uganda.

“We thank and appreciate the local community in Uganda for the good hospitality you have shown to us by working together and allowing us to have privacy to celebrate our day. We pray for continuous peace,” Lila said.

Arua city hosts more than 100 Indian residents, with over 200 living across the wider West Nile region, most of whom are engaged in business activities.