In Summary: Busoga Kingdom has recognised the Indian community’s century-long contribution to Jinja’s economic and social development, celebrating its role in trade, industry, healthcare and education while reaffirming the importance of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Jinja, Uganda — Busoga Kingdom has recognised the Indian community for its contribution to Jinja’s economic growth and social development, describing the century-long relationship as a partnership built on trade, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
The recognition was made during a cultural celebration featuring the Garba dance in honour of Shakti, the divine feminine, where kingdom leaders highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and religious tolerance in strengthening relations between Ugandans and the Indian community.
Addressing the gathering, the Second Deputy Prime Minister of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga, Owek. AlHaji Osman Ahmed Noor, conveyed greetings from His Majesty Isebantu Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope IV and reaffirmed the kingdom’s respect for different faiths and cultures.
“Tonight, as we witness the Garba dance in honour of Shakti, the divine feminine, we are reminded that culture is what makes us human. Busoga Kingdom deeply respects all faiths and all cultures,” Osman said.
He noted that the Indian community has been part of Busoga’s history for more than a century, contributing to the growth of manufacturing, trade, healthcare and education, particularly in Jinja, one of Uganda’s longstanding industrial centres.
“The story of Jinja cannot be told without the story of the Indian community. You came as traders, but you stayed as our brothers, sisters, neighbours and friends. You are part of Busoga,” he said.
Osman said the relationship reflects the kingdom’s cultural value of Obuntubulamu, which emphasises humanity, respect and good conduct towards others.
He cited the peaceful coexistence of different religious institutions in Jinja as an example of the society Busoga seeks to preserve, where people can practise different faiths without hostility. “In Jinja, a mosque, a temple and a church can exist on the same street in peace. That is the Uganda we want, and that is the Busoga we are building,” Osman said.
He added that the Garba dance, in which participants move together in a circle, offered a representation of unity, equality and togetherness among people from different backgrounds. “The Garba circle tonight, where everyone dances together in a circle, is a powerful symbol of unity, equality and togetherness,” he said.
Prominent industrialist Mayur Madhvani, joint managing director of Madhvani Group, also addressed the gathering, thanking the organising committee and volunteers for their efforts in making the celebration successful.
“I want to thank the committee for the hard work they have done in making sure, and all the volunteers making sure, that this function is a success. This function would never have been successful unless all of you were here,” Madhvani said.
The celebration brought together members of the Indian community, business leaders and other dignitaries, including Minesh Patel, chairman of SDM Temple Jinja; Paresh Mehta, chairman of the Indian Association Uganda; Santosh Gumte, managing director of Kansai Plascon Uganda Limited; and Ranmal Keshwala, managing director of Keshwala Group.
The event underscored the longstanding cultural and economic links between the Indian community and Busoga, with leaders calling for continued cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Jinja has historically been one of Uganda’s major industrial and commercial centres. The Indian community has been part of the town’s commercial history for generations, with businesses contributing to trade, manufacturing and other sectors. The relationship has also been shaped by Uganda’s history, including the expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin in 1972 and the subsequent return of many members of the community.
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