Indian Community to host annual Diwali Festival 2026 edition
In Uganda, the annual food festival has grown into a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together members of the Indian community, Ugandans, diplomats and other international guests.
Members of the Indian Community that attended the festival last year.
KAMPALA - The Indian Association of Uganda will host its annual Diwali Food Festival on Sunday, November 1, with businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparella expected to host the celebration at his lakeside Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The festival, organised in partnership with Speke Resort Munyonyo, is open to everyone and is expected to showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine and cultural traditions through food stalls, music, entertainment and fireworks.
Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world and symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In Uganda, the annual food festival has grown into a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together members of the Indian community, Ugandans, diplomats and other international guests.
This year's programme will feature food stalls offering different Indian cuisines, allowing visitors to sample dishes from various regions of India.
Mehta said the occasion, to be celebrated under the theme, “Unity in diversity,” will showcase light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
“We will showcase Indians' varied regional delicacies, cultural and traditional antics to promote unity and diversity and heritage of members of the Indian community,” said Mehta.
Uganda's tourism industry has recently been on a steady rise, with revenues reaching a record sh4.8 trillion, a 26% increase from the previous year, fuelled by more international arrivals and longer visitor stays.
Globally, celebrated across continents, Diwali continues to serve as a beacon of cultural exchange. In Uganda, it is increasingly positioning itself not just as a community celebration but as a magnet for cultural tourists seeking authentic experiences that go beyond wildlife and nature.
Previous editions have featured regional Indian delicacies, traditional performances and community activities, reinforcing the festival's place on Uganda's cultural and social calendar.
Beyond the festivities, Diwali carries a message of hope, renewal and togetherness, encouraging communities to embrace values of goodwill, harmony and positive beginnings.
The November 1 celebration is expected to provide another opportunity for the Indian community and its Ugandan friends to share their heritage while strengthening the cultural ties that connect the two communities.
Mehta said the event will highlight religion and geography with the intention of offering a message of hope, renewal and togetherness.
“They will join hands with us to uphold things that lead to harmony and foster a sense of belonging. The festival will bring together communities for a day of food and cultural celebration at the scenic lakeside. The festival of light symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.”
Beyond the symbolic celebration, the event will feature vibrant Indian art, music, dance and fireworks that make it both a cultural and tourism attraction.