Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the Indian community in Uganda for its contribution to the country’s socio-economic transformation agenda, citing its investments, employment creation, industrial development and humanitarian initiatives.Alupo said the Indian community remains an important partner in Uganda’s economic development, supporting the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through private sector investment, industrialisation, import substitution and business development.She made the remarks while representing the Government of Uganda at the 2026 Diwali Food Festival organised by the Indian Association of Uganda at Speke Resort Munyonyo.Alupo said the Indian community contributes more than 65 per cent of Uganda’s private sector investment, employs millions of Ugandans and remains a key player in strengthening the country’s economic base.“Today, India is one of Uganda’s largest investors and trading partners. Under our investment-friendly policies, the Indian community contributes over 65 per cent of Uganda’s private sector investment, employs millions of Ugandans, and is a key partner in our Tenfold Growth Strategy, import substitution and industrialisation agenda through Buy Uganda, Build Uganda,” she said.She noted that Uganda’s relationship with India is built on longstanding historical, diplomatic and economic ties, adding that government attaches great importance to strengthening the partnership.The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining peace, security and an enabling business environment to support Indian businesses and community initiatives.Beyond investment and trade, Alupo recognised the Indian community’s contribution to social development, particularly through healthcare interventions that have supported vulnerable Ugandans.She applauded the Indian Association of Uganda for its blood donation initiatives and medical support programme, which facilitates specialised treatment in India for Ugandans with complicated medical conditions, particularly heart-related complications.The Association has so far supported more than 265 Ugandans to access specialised medical treatment in India and mobilised over 100,000 units of blood through its donation campaigns.“We sincerely appreciate you for that initiative,” Alupo said, thanking the community for extending its corporate social responsibility beyond business to improve lives.She also praised the Association, under the leadership of its chairman, Paresh Mehta, for using the annual Diwali Food Festival to preserve India’s cultural heritage while promoting unity and diversity.“The Diwali Food Festival is more than just food and culture. It is a celebration of friendship, unity, diversity and a strong bond between India and Uganda,” she said.Alupo also recognised businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia for his longstanding support in hosting the festival at Munyonyo, saying his generosity had created a lasting tradition of togetherness among the Indian community and its Ugandan friends.Indian Association of Uganda Chairman Paresh Mehta said the festival provides an opportunity for the Indian community to celebrate its cultural heritage while strengthening relationships with Ugandans and other communities.He said the Association remains committed to initiatives that promote community welfare, cultural exchange and stronger Uganda-India relations.The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, also underscored the importance of the longstanding relationship between the two countries, particularly in trade, investment, education and people-to-people cooperation.The annual Diwali Food Festival brings together members of the Indian community, Ugandans, diplomats and corporate partners to celebrate the festival of lights, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.The event also provides a platform for showcasing India’s diverse cuisine and cultural traditions while reinforcing the contribution of the Indian community to Uganda’s socio-economic development.The post Vice President Alupo Reaffirms Government Support for Indian Investors in Uganda appeared first on The Insider.