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In a recent interview, Sudhir spoke about the need for formal recognition as one of Uganda's tribes, an issue that the Indian Association of Uganda has also advocated for over the years.
He pointed out that the Indian community has been part of Uganda for over 120 years, contributing massively to the economy yet still considered foreigners.
“We cannot go anywhere else; we need an identity in this country and be accepted because we have been here for over 120 years,” Sudhir remarked.
“We contribute a lot to the economy of this country. Asians here contribute 0.001 of the population and yet we contribute to 60-65% of the revenue”
Sudhir further noted that many African migrants have been recognised as Ugandan tribes while the Indian community, despite its long-standing presence and economic contributions, has not.
The Indian Association Uganda has previously appealed to President Museveni and the government for constitutional recognition.
In 2021, the association stated that without tribal status, their children lack a formal guarantee of Ugandan citizenship, facing challenges in obtaining national identification cards and passports.
Mohan Rao, Chairman of the Indian Association, stressed that being recognised as a tribe would give the community a sense of belonging and security in Uganda, especially in light of the past expulsion of Indians under Idi Amin’s regime in 1972.
President Museveni has acknowledged the economic importance of the Indian community and has promised to discuss the possibility of amending the constitution to include them as one of Uganda's tribes.
The recognition, however, remains pending, and the Indian community continues to lobby for formal inclusion in Uganda’s legal and social fabric.
About Sudhir Ruparelia
Sudhir Ruparelia is one of Uganda’s most successful businessmen and the Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, which operates in sectors such as real estate, banking, education, and insurance.
Born in Kasese, Uganda, Sudhir and his family fled to the UK in 1972 during Idi Amin’s expulsion of Asians but returned in the 1980s following an invitation by President Museveni to reinvest in the country.
Today, Sudhir is Uganda’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth exceeding $1.2 billion. His contributions to Uganda’s economic growth have earned him multiple accolades, including a Golden Jubilee Presidential Medal from President Museveni.