Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s richest businessman and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, has added his voice to the growing call for the formal recognition of Uganda’s Asian community as one of its tribes. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Dr. Ruparelia, in a recent video posted on his TikTok account ‘jointsofsudhir,’ emphasized the need for Asians in Uganda to be recognized, just as other migrant communities have been.
In the video, he underscored the Asian community’s more than 120-year presence in Uganda, where they now represent only 0.001% of the population. He stressed their vital economic contributions, stating, “We deserve an identity in this country, like other groups that migrated to Uganda and were acknowledged.”
Asians, particularly those of Indian descent, have a long history in Uganda dating back to colonial times. Renowned for their entrepreneurial skills, they continue to play a key role in Uganda’s economy today. Despite the expulsion of many Asians under former President Idi Amin in the 1970s, their businesses remain a cornerstone of Uganda’s commercial sector, with both large and medium enterprises thriving.
Dr. Ruparelia noted that, while the Asian population in Uganda is small, their contribution to the country’s revenue is substantial. “Asians make up only 0.001% of the population, yet we contribute 60 to 65% of Uganda’s revenue,” he remarked.
Speaking about his personal connection to the country, he said, “Uganda is my home, and my love for it runs deep. I could live anywhere, but Uganda is always my first choice. I have homes in England and Dubai, but Uganda remains my priority.”
Dr. Ruparelia’s call for tribal recognition has sparked a public conversation about the status of the Asian community in Uganda and their enduring influence on the nation’s economy and society.
