Kampala, Uganda – October 17, 2025
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, on Thursday 16th met and interacted with members of the Indian community in Uganda, commending their enterprise, dedication, and unwavering love for India.
Speaking during the engagement in Kampala at the Shree Swaminaryan Temple, Singh praised the Indian diaspora as “a living bridge of friendship between India and Uganda” and lauded their role in strengthening bilateral relations through business, culture, and community service.
“Pleased to interact with the dynamic Indian diaspora in Uganda. Their enterprise, commitment, and affection for India continue to be a living bridge of friendship between our two nations,” Singh shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
During his visit, the Minister also planted a sapling at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Complex in Kampala as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ environmental initiative. The campaign encourages people globally to plant trees in honour of their mothers, symbolizing care and responsibility toward the planet.
“This initiative underscores our collective responsibility to preserve the environment,” Singh said, noting that the campaign has inspired people across the world to take small but meaningful steps toward climate action.
While in Kampala for the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Mid-term Ministerial, Singh also held bilateral meetings with several leaders, including Yvan Gil Pinto (Venezuela’s Foreign Minister), Maxim Ryzhenkov (Foreign Minister of Belarus), Atim Anywar (Uganda’s Minister of State for Environment), and Maria Manuela Dos Santos Lucas (Foreign Minister of Mozambique). The discussions centered on environmental cooperation, capacity building, information technology, and climate resilience.
Members of the Indian community in Uganda gave Singh a warm welcome, expressing pride in India’s progress under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. One of the speakers highlighted the long history of Indians in Uganda — dating back to the late 19th century — and their strong connection to their motherland.
“Though we are far from India, our hearts remain with Hindustan. We are proud that the Indian community, though small in number, contributes significantly to Uganda’s growth,” said a community leader during the event, adding that the diaspora accounts for about 65% of Uganda’s income tax revenue despite forming a very small portion of the population.
In his response, Minister Singh acknowledged their contribution and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s appreciation for the diaspora’s enduring bond with India.
“You are India’s true ambassadors abroad — your success and integrity bring pride to our nation. Your presence here reflects the strength of our shared heritage and the friendship between India and Uganda,” he remarked.
The event which had entertainment from different dancers concluded with a renewed call for deeper people-to-people ties and collaboration between the two nations in trade, education, and environmental conservation.
