Indian community commended for growing Uganda's economy

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KAMPALA - Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has commended the Indian community in Uganda for their significant contributions to the country's economy.

Speaking at the charity fundraising activity organised in conjunction with the Indian Association of Uganda dubbed, Dil Se Desi, at Millenium Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala on Saturday, Gen. Katumba praised the Indian community for their entrepreneurial spirit and their commitment to rebuilding Uganda's economy.

"I must commend the Indian community for their tireless efforts in reconstructing our economy," Gen. Katumba said.

"Their investments have created jobs, boosted our GDP, and helped to modernize our infrastructure. We are truly grateful for their contributions."

Katumba's comments come at a time when Uganda is rebuilding its economy after years of political instability and economic mismanagement between early and late 1970s. The country has been working to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth, and the Indian community has been at the forefront of these efforts.

"We have been impressed by the Indian community's enthusiasm and commitment to Uganda's development. Thank you for getting the fibre to come back to contribute to our economy now growing at 6% moving," he said "You have helped Uganda to pick the pieces of a bad economy here."

“When we tell some of our youth that at one time, getting bread, sugar, Coca-Cola, Colgate, and salt was very difficult unless friends from Kenya helped out, they think that it never was the case but that is the bitter journey during former president Idi Amin’s regime between 1971 to 1979,” Katumba added.

Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala speaks about the contribution of Indians to the Ugandan economy on Saturday at Lugogo KCCA grounds (All Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba).

The Indian community in Uganda has been involved in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. They have also been involved in philanthropic activities, such as supporting education and healthcare initiatives.

"We believe in giving back to the community," said Devanand Dulahanamal Nainani, the chairperson of the Indian Sindhi Community in Uganda which has invested in Uganda. "We are committed to supporting Uganda's development and are proud of the progress we have made so far."

State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of children and youth affairs, Balaam Barugahare, hailed the Indian community for investing in the health and education sectors.

“It took the good visionary leadership of President Yoweri Museveni to invite you back to do your businesses but you owe this to peace and security in Uganda since 1986,” he said.

“You have managed to help out the country with its responsibilities especially conducting heart surgeries in Uganda, India, and abroad. We are grateful to Ruparelia Group under Sudhil Ruparelia for constructing NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and the G77 (Group of 77) conference facilities and many of you who have moved us in the direction of manufacturing,” he said.

Nainani revealed that the proceeds from the event would go to heart surgery programs and the Kampala School of Physically Handicapped.

“The director of Plascon Uganda, Santosh Gumte, is organising a cancer treatment centre for patients in Jinja and we are grateful for that,” Nainani added.