State House commends Indian Community
CAPTION: Mr. Paresh Mehta, the Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, left, with fellow members after the run in Kololo on Sunday, September 28th, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Wandera Ouma).
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – The Indian community has been hailed for its contributions to Uganda’s social and economic development. Despite making up less than one per cent of Uganda’s population, the Indian Community, according to reports from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, contributes at least 65 per cent of the nation’s income tax revenue.
Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, State House, commended the Indian Association of Uganda during a five kilo meters cancer run in Kampala on Sunday, September 28th, 2026.
“By investing in factories and services, you are helping us to create jobs from which we can get money to educate Ugandans so that through business and education, we can create a modern society,” he said.
Adding, “I also commend you for sending 265 patients to India for heart surgery and collecting 33,000 units of blood during the 83rd birth day celebrations for President Museveni. The cancer run is another good initiative by the Association. We have just lost a young king (Oyo) due to cancer. Early detection is key, let us work together and chase cancer out of our community.”
CAPTION: Musican Spice Dianah, right, with Mr. Paresh Mehta, left, the Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, other members at the run in Kololo on Sunday, September 28th, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Wandera Ouma).
Mr. Paresh Mehta, the Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda thanked participants and sponsors of the cancer run.
“As we come to the conclusion of today’s Cancer Run, I want to begin by saying a very heartfelt thank you to every single person who made this event possible. Today, we did much more than complete a run. We created awareness. We created solidarity. And we sent a message of hope to countless people and families affected by cancer,” he said.
“On behalf of the Indian Association Uganda, I extend my deepest appreciation to East India Cultural Association for joining hands with us for this important initiative. I also want to sincerely acknowledge all our sponsors and partners Plascon, Bank of Baroda, and every other corporate, organisation and individual who contributed their resources, time and support. Your partnership demonstrates that when the community and the corporate world come together for a humanitarian cause, we can create a meaningful impact.”
Paresh further explained, “Cancer does not discriminate. It touches families across communities, backgrounds and generations. And while we may not be able to change every outcome, we can change the way we respond with awareness, early action, compassion and support. That is why initiatives like today’s are so important. We must continue talking about cancer. We must encourage people to take their health seriously, to seek medical advice when necessary, and to understand the importance of early detection and timely treatment.”
CAPTION: Musican Spice Dianah, left in black shorts entertain members of the Indian Association of Uganda in Kololo on Sunday, September 28th, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Wandera Ouma).
He pledged the Indian Association Uganda committment to support humanitarian initiatives that bring communities together and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“Today, we have demonstrated that when we walk together, run together and stand together, we can create hope. So let us not allow today’s message to end when we leave this venue. Let the awareness continue. Let the conversations continue. Let the support continue. And let the spirit of giving continue.”
