On Saturday, August 9, thousands of people gathered at Kololo Independence Grounds for a colorful celebration of India Day in Uganda. The annual event honors culture, unity, and friendship between the two nations. This year, it had an even greater goal: to raise funds for heart surgeries for more than 100 Ugandan children born with congenital heart defects.
Among the notable contributors was Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists. His company, the Ruparelia Group, was recognized as one of the key sponsors. His support joined that of other companies and community partners who stepped forward to help save lives and strengthen the ties between India and Uganda.
The celebration was organized by the Indian Association Uganda and the Sindhi Community Uganda. It carried the theme “A Celebration with a Heartbeat,” showing how community events can bring people together to create meaningful change.
The festivities included colorful traditional dances, delicious Indian dishes, and energetic performances by Indian pop stars Anjana Padmanabhan and Guru Randhawa. While the entertainment was a highlight, the main focus of the event remained on raising awareness and gathering resources for children in urgent need of heart operations.
Santosh Gumte, Managing Director of Kansai Plascon Uganda, spoke about the scale of the problem. His company donated 300 million Ugandan shillings, which is about 80,000 US dollars, to the cause. He said that each year, around 8,300 children in Uganda are born with congenital heart defects. “We cannot stand by and let that potential fade away. Our paint brings color to homes, but our partnerships and community work bring hope to hearts,” Gumte said.
Sudhir Ruparelia has long been a supporter of the Indian community and is known for his commitment to education and healthcare in Uganda. He was praised for the Ruparelia Group’s continued involvement in life-changing projects. “India Day is more than just a cultural event. It is a celebration of shared values and mutual progress,” said Paresh R. Mehta, acting chairman of the Indian Association Uganda. He also thanked other partners such as Airtel Uganda, Uganda Airlines, and the Rotary Clubs for helping make the event possible.
Fifty Ugandan children will be among the first to receive surgeries, with all medical and travel expenses covered. These operations will be performed in India, showing the strength of partnerships that focus on compassion and purpose.
Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, shared a message on social media for the occasion. She thanked the Indian community for its role in Uganda’s development, noting that President Yoweri Museveni has officially recognized Indians as one of the tribes of Uganda. She said the community has created jobs for Ugandan citizens and contributes about 65 percent of the country’s tax revenue.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, also spoke about the close relationship between the two countries. He said the day was not only a celebration of India’s independence but also a recognition of the long-standing friendship, shared values, and common goals between India and Uganda.
The event ended with bright fireworks and awards presented to individuals and organizations for their humanitarian efforts. India Day 2025 will be remembered not only for its cultural energy but also for the hope it brought to many Ugandan families. With the continued efforts of leaders such as Sudhir Ruparelia and other dedicated partners, the celebration stands as an example of how much can be achieved when communities unite with purpose and determination.
