Published on 12/08/2025
Over the weekend, thousands of Indians living in Uganda, joined by well-wishers, converged at Kololo Independence Grounds for India Day 2025 — a colourful celebration blending rich cultural heritage with a humanitarian cause.
Organised by the Indian Association Uganda in partnership with the Sindhi Community Uganda, this year’s festivities aimed to raise funds for more than 100 Ugandan children in urgent need of heart surgeries under the theme “A Celebration with a Heartbeat,” noting that community efforts can be channelled toward transformational impact.
Among the notable contributors to this noble cause was Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s most prominent businessman and philanthropist, whose Ruparelia Group was recognized as one of the key sponsors of the event. His support added to the growing list of corporate and community partners stepping forward to help save lives and strengthen Indo-Ugandan relations.
The festivities featured colorful traditional dances, mouthwatering Indian cuisine, and electrifying performances by Indian pop stars Anjana Padmanabhan and Guru Randhawa. But beyond the entertainment, the focus remained on raising awareness and resources mobilisation for Ugandan children in dire need of heart surgeries.
Meanwhile, Kansai Plascon Uganda also announced a Shs300 million contribution to fully fund critical cardiac interventions for dozens of children suffering from congenital heart defects.
The managing director, Kansai Plascon Uganda, Mr. Santosh Gumte underscored the urgency of the initiative noting that thousands of children are born with heart defects.
“Each year in Uganda, 8,300 children are born with congenital heart defects. Two thousand require immediate intervention, and many of those children come from families who cannot dream of affording such care,” Mr. Gumte said while speaking to the media at Jain Samaj Temple in Naguru.
“Without timely help, their lives are tragically cut short. We cannot stand by and let that potential fade away. This is why Kansai Plascon is contributing shs 300 million to this cause.”
He noted that the donation will cover all costs for surgeries, including medical care and travel to India, in partnership with the Indian Association Uganda, the Sindhi Community Uganda, and medical institutions in Chennai.
Mr. Paresh R. Mehta, Acting Chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, revealed that the first batch of 50 children would soon depart for India to receive treatment.
“This year’s India Day had to be a celebration with a heartbeat. Thanks to Plascon and other partners, these children and their families will not worry about a single shilling. It’s the true spirit of Ubuntu in action,” Mr. Mehta said.
Other key sponsors included Airtel Uganda, Uganda Airlines, the Rotary Clubs, the Healthy Heart Foundation, Ruparelia Group, and Mount Meru Millers.
Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala, representing the Ugandan government, praised the Indian community and corporate partners for their role in saving lives and strengthening bilateral ties.
India’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat, commended the partnership between both nations, calling the event a testament to “shared values of compassion and solidarity.”
