UK/Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has issued a heartfelt appeal to the British Asians expelled by Idi Amin more than fifty years ago to rebuild connections with their ancestral homeland, urging them to serve as a “living bridge” between the United Kingdom and Uganda.
The emotional message from President Museveni was delivered during the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, where he also acknowledged India’s pivotal role in assisting Uganda’s economic recovery.
Highlighting the significant contributions made by pioneers from India to Uganda’s economy, President Museveni expressed regret for the damage inflicted by Amin’s regime and affirmed his government’s commitment to rectifying past injustices.
During the summit, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with Uganda’s General Odongo Jeje to discuss bilateral cooperation and reaffirm India’s support for Uganda’s leadership of the NAM.
In a bid to strengthen ties with the Ugandan diaspora, Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, encouraged British Asians to consider visiting Uganda and exploring the diverse opportunities the country offers.
President Museveni’s message resonated with attendees at a recent event in London, where tributes were paid to Praful RC Patel, the only Asian member of the Uganda Resettlement Board. Madhvani reiterated the president’s call for Ugandan Asians to renew their bond with their homeland, emphasizing Uganda’s safety and vast potential for investment and tourism.
As Uganda continues its journey of recovery and development, President Museveni’s appeal serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and unity that have characterized the nation’s efforts to overcome past challenges and embrace a brighter future.
