Delhi Aajkal Bureau, Delhi
27 October 2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, together with the First Lady Janet Museveni, hosted members of the Indian community at State House Entebbe to celebrate Diwali 2025.
The President congratulated the Indian community in Uganda on this joyful occasion & expressed appreciation for their continued confidence in Uganda. He noted that when the government invited them back after the disruptions of the Amin era, they returned & once again trusted the country.
President Museveni commended their entrepreneurial spirit, saying it has significantly contributed to Uganda’s economic growth through job creation, skills development, and increased revenue for government services such as education.
The President extended warm wishes to the Indian community for a happy and prosperous Diwali celebration.
Diwali hosted by the President previously in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022 have become an enduring tradition.
The Indian diaspora in Uganda — about 35,000 persons of Indian origin and nationals across religions and regions — fosters people-to-people links, philanthropic activity and cultural exchange.
The Indian community has made a substantial contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development — from manufacturing and construction to banking, ICT and agribusiness. It includes major business persons and entrepreneurs such as Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, Madhvanis and Mehtas.
The Indian community faced a difficult history in Uganda, with Idi Amin’s expulsion in 1972. The community’s return and rebuilding in subsequent decades were with the change in policies after President Museveni came to power in 1986. President Museveni’s government took steps to restore property rights and to welcome back members of the diaspora who have helped revive economic activity.
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