India at 80th Independence, Museveni Applauds their Contribution to the Development of Uganda.

By Abraham Lincolns | Kampala

The President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Indian community in Uganda for their contribution to the development of the country.

During the India Day celebrations held at the Kololo Independence Grounds, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robina Nabbanja delivered a keynote speech on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, underscoring the strong economic and cultural partnership between Uganda and her Indian community.

“I would like to salute the contribution Ugandans of Indian origin have played and continue to play in the development of our country. We appreciate it,” Nabbanja read Museveni’s report. Nabbanja conveyed the government’s appreciation for the significant contributions made by the Indian diaspora to Uganda’s economy, specifically through local and foreign investments, job creation, and industrial growth.

According to government reports, the Indian community makes up less than 1% of Uganda’s population yet contributes roughly 65% of national income tax revenue strengthening a bilateral trade between India and Uganda surpassing $1.2 billion annually.

President Museveni noted that local production by Indian-led industries have helped shrink Uganda’s import bill significantly over recent years. Nabanja’s speech highlighted that Uganda remains a safe, secure, and highly conducive environment for business due to the long-standing stability fostered by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government under President Museveni.

She emphasized that fighting household poverty and introducing wealth creation initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) form the bedrock of a stable society where all communities can thrive. Nabbanja praised the mutual respect and social cohesion shared between native Ugandans and the Indian community, urging everyone to protect national security and maintain peaceful cooperation.

Nabbanja was happy to note the good and productive relationship that exists between Uganda and India which have lasted for many years. “Uganda is a safe and conducive place to do business and invest. This is because of the long period of peace, security and stability brought by the NRM Government under the wise leadership of President Yoweri Museveni. We must all play our roles to ensure that the peace, stability and security we have, remain and grow stronger,” said Nabbanja.

The High Commissioner to Uganda Mr. Ajay Kumar commended the Government of Uganda for its hospitality accorded to the people of Indian origin and allowing them even attain citizenship in the country. The Chairman of the Indian Association in Uganda Mr. Mohan Rao, asked government to always support such festivals because they promote unity and oneness among the people.

The event, sponsored by Kansai Plascon Uganda and Hema Beverages Ltd, organized by the Indian Association Uganda, served as an extravagant cultural fair that commemorated Indian heritage and raised critical healthcare funds for local communities. The event coincided with ongoing state updates shared by the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat, who delivered messages of strong bilateral ties and a unified future between the two nations.

 India celebrated her 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, marking 79 completed years of freedom from British colonial rule under the official theme 150 Years of Vande Mataram and Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047 focusing on the youth’s role in building a developed nation by 2047.

At the National Ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour and delivered his traditional address from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi where a large-scale cultural events under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, floral displays by youth volunteers, and special invitations extended to grassroots innovators and startup founders.

However, the prime minister Nabanja Robina in a special way hailed Hema beverages limited managing director Sandeep Reddy for helping Government fight unemployment by giving many jobs to Ugandans working at Hema Beverages.

Hema Beverages are the makers of the new favourite energy drink Cheetah that hit the Ugandan market by storm and also Hema water .