By Simon Mbago
The ballroom at City Point in Jinja City was filled with celebration, pride and reflection on Sunday as members of Uganda’s Indian community gathered to honor two of their own—Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Sanjay Tanna and Tororo Municipality MP Hon. Shyam Tanna.
More than a celebration of political appointments, the event became a conversation about history, identity, investment and the future role of the Indian community in Uganda’s development.
For many in attendance, the recognition symbolized the journey of a community whose roots in Uganda stretch back more than a century.
A story bigger than politics
Taking to the podium, Hon. Sanjay Tanna described the recognition as deeply humbling, noting that it was the fourth event organized by Ugandans of Indian origin to celebrate their appointment to public office.
He reflected on the sacrifices made by the first Indian settlers who travelled into Uganda when communication was slow, transport was difficult and the country’s interior remained largely unexplored.
“Our forefathers called Uganda home. They built their homes here and settled here,” Tanna said.
He acknowledged the painful chapter of 1972 when Asians were expelled from Uganda, saying many families lost businesses and livelihoods overnight. Yet despite those hardships, many later returned and rebuilt their lives.
That resilience, he said, remains the foundation upon which today’s generation should build.
Beyond business
While recognizing the Indian community’s contribution to Uganda’s economy, Tanna challenged entrepreneurs to look beyond commercial success.
He called on business leaders to deepen their understanding of Ugandan culture and strengthen relationships with the communities in which they operate.
“Our mentality is African because we were born and raised here,” he said. “We must understand the culture of the people around us.”
According to the minister, genuine integration goes beyond charity. It requires respect for local traditions, building trust with neighbours and embracing Uganda as home.
Uganda ready for investment
Using his new role as Trade Minister, Tanna made a strong appeal to investors.
He said Uganda’s improved infrastructure, stable electricity supply and peace have created an ideal environment for investment.
Rather than keeping capital overseas, he urged members of the diaspora to invest in Uganda’s productive sectors.
He pointed to opportunities in agro-processing, dairy, honey production, fruit processing, value addition and manufacturing, arguing that Uganda possesses abundant natural resources that remain underutilized.
From pineapples and avocados to milk and honey, he said Uganda has products capable of competing in international markets, particularly in India.
“Uganda is ready for business,” he said, pledging that his ministry would work closely with investors to unlock new opportunities.
‘Kindness is remembered’
If Sanjay Tanna focused on investment, MP Shyam Tanna focused on people.
The youthful legislator challenged the Indian community to match its business achievements with humility and compassion.
Reflecting on public perceptions, he argued that success alone is not enough to earn acceptance. “People remember kindness,” he said.
He encouraged business owners to treat customers, workers and the wider community with dignity, saying even small gestures of generosity leave lasting impressions.
Drawing from his own political journey, Tanna said his election was built not only on his campaign but also on the goodwill created over many years by his late father and grandparents. “The work they did for people is what many voters remembered,” he said.
Uganda is home
Perhaps the strongest message from Shyam Tanna was his insistence that Uganda is no longer simply a place where Indians do business—it is home.
Tracing his family’s history in Uganda to before independence, he reminded guests that many Indian families have lived in the country for generations. “My grandfather’s first passport read British East Africa,” he said.
He described India as the community’s place of birth for many, but Uganda as the land where they have built their lives, businesses and families. He therefore challenged investors to reinvest locally instead of transferring all their profits abroad.
Community service beyond business
The Indian Association used the occasion to showcase its social responsibility initiatives.
Chairperson Piyush Kotecha said the association is targeting the collection of 10,000 units of blood this year through blood donation drives organized with factories and industries across Eastern Uganda.
The association has also partnered with businesses to organize medical camps and other community outreach programmes.
Private sector support
Speaking on behalf of Uganda’s industrial sector, Jay Patel of the MMP Group congratulated both leaders, describing their appointments as a milestone for the Indian community.
He pledged continued support for Uganda’s industrialisation agenda through investment, manufacturing, exports and job creation.
A celebration of identity and responsibility
As the evening drew to a close, the ceremony had evolved into more than a celebration of two political leaders.
It became a reminder of the Indian community’s century-long journey in Uganda—from pioneering traders and industrialists to legislators and Cabinet ministers.
The recurring message from speaker after speaker was clear: with greater representation in public leadership comes greater responsibility—to invest more, create more jobs, strengthen communities and contribute even more to Uganda’s development.
