Kampala City, Uganda: Prominent Ugandan businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, over the weekend, joined members of the Indian Association in Uganda, business leaders, family members, and friends at a thanksgiving ceremony held to celebrate the appointment of Hon. Sanjay Tanna as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives and the election of his nephew, Shyam Tanna, as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.
The colorful event brought together members of Uganda’s Indian community and distinguished guests who gathered to honor the achievements of the two leaders and reflect on what many described as a significant milestone for the Indian-Ugandan community.
The ceremony featured prayers, speeches and messages of goodwill, with speakers praising both Sanjay Tanna and Shyam Tanna for their contributions to business, public service and national development.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s leading entrepreneurs and investors, joined other guests in congratulating the two leaders on their new responsibilities and wished them success in serving the country.
Indian Community Hails Cabinet Appointment
Members of the Indian Association expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing Sanjay Tanna to Cabinet, describing the appointment as a historic achievement for the Indian-Ugandan community.
They noted that the appointment provides the community with direct representation at the highest levels of government and reflects the longstanding contribution of Ugandans of Indian origin to the country’s economic development.

Speakers at the event said the appointment would further strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector while deepening the historic ties between Uganda and India.
The Indian-Ugandan community has for decades played a significant role in Uganda’s economy through investments in manufacturing, trade, real estate, agriculture, hospitality and financial services.
Tanna Pledges to Deepen Uganda-India Trade Relations
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Sanjay Tanna thanked President Museveni for the confidence placed in him and pledged to serve Uganda with dedication, integrity and patriotism.
The minister said one of his key priorities would be strengthening trade and investment relations between Uganda and India.
He noted that the two countries share longstanding historical, diplomatic and economic ties that present enormous opportunities for expanded cooperation.
According to Tanna, increased bilateral trade, industrial partnerships and investment promotion can contribute significantly to Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
He said his ministry would continue working to attract new investments, support industrialization, create employment opportunities and improve the competitiveness of Ugandan businesses.
The minister further described Uganda as an attractive investment destination and pledged to work closely with the private sector, development partners and government institutions to promote sustainable economic growth.
Shyam Tanna Commits to Service Delivery
Tororo Municipality MP-elect Shyam Tanna also used the occasion to thank voters for entrusting him with the parliamentary mandate.
He pledged to champion initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, supporting youth empowerment, promoting inclusive economic growth and addressing key development challenges facing the municipality.
Shyam said he would work closely with constituents and local leaders to ensure that the needs and aspirations of residents remain at the center of his legislative agenda.
Guests at the thanksgiving ceremony expressed optimism that the leadership of both Sanjay Tanna and Shyam Tanna would contribute positively to Uganda’s economic development and strengthen cooperation between government and the business community.
Participants also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving industrial growth, job creation and investment promotion.
The celebrations concluded with renewed confidence among members of the Indian-Ugandan community that Sanjay Tanna’s appointment presents an opportunity to further strengthen Uganda’s trade and investment landscape while reinforcing the enduring friendship between Uganda and India.
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