Team Blitz India
AT the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni praised the significant contributions of Indian returnees to Uganda’s economic development.
Expressing admiration for their accomplishments, he highlighted the establishment of 900 factories by these individuals since their return.
“I was asking people how many factories have been built by our Indian returnees. They told me about the 900 factories that they had built since they came back.” said President Museveni.
Speaking about Uganda’s history, specifically the expulsion of Asians, particularly Indian Ugandans, during Idi Amin’s regime (1971-79), President Museveni acknowledged the Government’s past mistakes.
He emphasised the adverse consequences of Amin’s actions, including the economic impact on Uganda. Notably, India had severed ties with Amin’s regime during that period.
At the NAM Summit, President Museveni remarked, “NAM countries also make mistakes like in Uganda. Then we had a man called Idi Amin,” highlighting the expulsion of Asians, especially those from India and Pakistan. He noted the significant investments made by these Indian-origin individuals in sugar, hotels, and steel production.
Since their return in the 1980s and 1990s, Asians from the Indian subcontinent have once again become a vital pillar of Uganda’s economy. President Museveni also recognised India’s role in the formation of the NAM during the summit.
