Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressed appreciation for the significant contributions of the South Asian community, particularly the Indian diaspora, to Uganda's economy, despite the challenges they faced after their mass expulsion in 1972.
Addressing the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala from January 15-20, Museveni acknowledged the mistakes made by former military ruler Idi Amin, who compelled the majority of Asians, predominantly Indians, to leave Uganda during his presidency from 1971 to 1979.
Speaking at the NAM summit, Museveni reflected on the repercussions of Amin's actions, emphasizing the adverse impact on Uganda's economy, with a particular focus on the expulsion of Indian-origin individuals who had invested significantly in sectors such as sugar, hotels, and steel production.
Following their forced departure, a once-thriving community of Ugandan Asians faced dispersal across the globe, leading to the loss of businesses they had built over the years. Museveni lamented the missed opportunities for growth and development during that period.
The Ugandan president also highlighted the corrective measures undertaken by the government upon assuming power, including the restitution of properties confiscated by Amin from Asian citizens and non-citizens. Museveni emphasized the government's commitment to rectifying the problems created by Amin and fostering a positive environment for the returnees.
Since their return to Uganda in the 1980s and 1990s, Asians from the Indian subcontinent have once again become a vital pillar of the country's economy. Museveni shared insights into the remarkable progress, citing the establishment of approximately 900 factories by Indian returnees, underscoring their role in Uganda's economic development.
During the summit, President Museveni acknowledged India's significant role in the formation of the NAM, recognizing the collaborative efforts among member countries.
