Sai Indian spiritual movement gets home

By Innocent Anguyo

After a decade of moving from one rented premise to another, members of the Sai Indian spiritual movement in Uganda have finally constructed a centre of their own.

The members of the movement account for more than half of all Indian investments in Uganda.

The Sai Indians are followers of renowned Indian spiritual leader Śri Sathya Sai Baba. He was a Guru, spiritual leader,mystic, composer, choreograher, poet, author, orator philanthropist and educator born in south India in 1926.

Before his death in 2011, Baba made his maiden and only visit outside India to Uganda in 1968, a reason he enjoys a large following of anatives to date.

The multi-million centre located off Mawanda road in Kampala becomes the coordinating centre of all activities of the Sai community in Uganda who number about 100.

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Indian women and their children relax just outside the new building of Sri Sathya Sai Center at Kyebando Kampala. PHOTO/Ronnie Kijjambu        

Centre activities include the study of teachings of Baba and all other religions, devotional singing, spiritual meditation and charity to community.

In Uganda, the community is running a number of orphanages.

The Centre becomes one of over 144 Baba centers in 126 countries throughout the world. The movement also runs a network of hospitals, clinics and schools often free in126 countries.

The inauguration of the Centre saw Indian girls perform traditional dances and poems. Traditional Indian snacks were also in plenty.

The center is adorned with holy ash and other small objects such as rings, necklaces, and watches blessed by Baba along with reports of his miraculous healings.

Minister of Tourism Maria Mutagmba was slated to be chief guest at the inauguration but could not attend due to sudden government duties she had to handle in Jinja district, according to centre officials.