Leaders of Uganda’s Indian community have praised the country’s long-standing peace, stable leadership, and investor-friendly policies, saying these factors have enabled them to make strong contributions to the economy and society.
Speaking during the NBS Breakfast Meeting on Friday, Paresh Mehta, Acting Chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, said the Indian community remains deeply committed to Uganda’s development and sees the country as home.
“Our culture teaches us that the world is one family. Wherever we live, we contribute to the growth of that country,” Mehta said.
He commended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for maintaining peace and policy stability over the years, noting that these conditions have encouraged long-term investment and business growth.
“The NRM government has provided a stable and predictable environment for investors. Uganda has given us peace, security, and good returns on investment,” he said.
Although people of Indian origin make up less than one percent of Uganda’s population, Mehta said their economic contribution is significant. Citing Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) figures, he noted that businesses linked to the Indian community account for about 65 percent of national tax revenue.
Also speaking at the event, Tharun Patnaik, founder of Freedom Factory, said the Indian community’s role goes beyond business to include social development and public service.
“Indians have helped build schools, hospitals, and industries across Uganda. We have contributed to job creation, industrial growth, supply chains, and corporate social responsibility,” Patnaik said.
Uganda is currently home to an estimated 50,000 people of Indian origin, down from nearly three times that number in the mid-20th century. Most Indian migration to Uganda began during the British colonial period, when Indians were brought to East Africa to work on railways and infrastructure projects. Over time, many became traders, industrialists, and professionals.
This progress was interrupted in 1972, when former dictator Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of Asians, forcing tens of thousands to leave the country within 90 days. Many resettled in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.
Following Amin’s fall, Uganda gradually regained stability, encouraging many Indian families to return and rebuild businesses. Today, the community is once again an important part of Uganda’s economic and cultural life.
Several well-known global figures trace their roots to Indian-Ugandan families, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, British actress Naomi Scott, Canadian actor Avan Jogia, and British pop star Charli XCX.
Community leaders say Uganda’s continued peace, openness to investment, and government partnership will remain key to sustaining economic growth and shared prosperity.
