President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, on Sunday hosted members of Uganda’s Indian community at State House Entebbe to celebrate Diwali 2025, the festival of lights, renewal, and hope.
The colorful celebration brought together business leaders, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora to mark one of the world’s most cherished cultural events.
During the function, President Museveni congratulated the Indian community in Uganda, commending their resilience and contribution to the country’s economic transformation.
“I am glad that when we called them back after Amin’s mistakes, they returned and trusted Uganda again. I thank them for that confidence,” President Museveni said,
He recalled the expulsion of Asians during Idi Amin’s regime in the 1970s.
He praised their entrepreneurial spirit and the vital role they continue to play in national development through investment, innovation, and job creation.
“Uganda’s economy continues to grow because of the Indian community’s entrepreneurial spirit. Through their factories and services, they are helping us create jobs, a skilled middle class, and revenue for the government to educate Ugandans,” he noted.
The President further underscored the importance of unity in diversity, reminding Ugandans that the nation’s strength lies in collective progress rather than ethnic origins.
“On citizenship, it is simple all these Ugandan groups came from somewhere. What matters is our shared prosperity and nation-building,” he said, before wishing the community a joyous celebration.
First Lady Janet Museveni joined the President in extending warm Diwali greetings to the guests, highlighting the spirit of togetherness and peace that defines the festival.
The event reflected the long-standing friendship between Uganda and the Indian community, whose contributions continue to play a pivotal role in the country’s industrial and economic landscape.
