President Museveni Hosts Ugandan Indian Community for Diwali, Lauds Economic Contributions
ENTEBBE – President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni hosted members of Uganda’s Indian community at State House Entebbe on Saturday for a celebration of Diwali 2025.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the President extended his congratulations on the “joyful occasion” of the Festival of Lights. He used the event to highlight the community’s significant role in Uganda’s economy, acknowledging their entrepreneurial spirit for helping to create jobs, develop a skilled middle class, and generate government revenue.
A key point of reflection was the historical reconciliation between Uganda and its Indian population. President Museveni expressed his gladness that the community “returned and trusted Uganda again” after being called back following the expulsion under former leader Idi Amin in 1972—an event he referred to as “Amin’s mistakes.”
The President also touched upon the theme of citizenship, stating, “all these Ugandan groups came from somewhere,” in an apparent endorsement of the country’s recent citizenship reforms and its multicultural identity.
Reports following the event underscore the community’s substantial impact, contributing over 20% to Uganda’s GDP through sectors like manufacturing and retail. The Diwali celebration served as both a cultural festivity and a symbol of the renewed and strengthened partnership between the Indian diaspora and the Ugandan state.
About The Author
