The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Sarah Namulondo
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has blamed Uganda’s poor economy on Amin’s expulsion of Indians from Uganda.
He said that characters like Idi Amin disturbed the relationship between Uganda and India.
The president said if the Indians were not expelled Uganda’s economy would be very far with their great saving culture.
He urged Indians to intensify their qualities of savings and entrepreneurship in order to boost the development of the Ugandan National Economy.
The President was on Thursday evening speaking to members of the Indian Association of Uganda during the Diwali dinner that he hosted at State House, Entebbe.
Diwali, among the Asian Communities, which dates back to 5,000 years, is a festival in which all people of all age groups participate and give expression to their happiness by lighting lamps, decorating houses, bursting fireworks and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast.
The President noted that the historical role that the Indian society played in the country included the provision of retail services adding that their accumulated savings accruing from their entrepreneurial skills are needed to invest.
Museveni urged the Indian community to concentrate on the enhancement of the manufacturing sector with particular emphasis on value addition to agro- products.
The Chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, Mr. Rajesh Chaplot paid tribute to the President for the enabling working environment, for the freedom to practice their religion and for hosting the first Diwali dinner in State House.
He further reported that the community has sponsored 20 Ugandan children for heart surgery in India adding that plans are underway to sponsor 200 needy Ugandan students in their education.
