By Frank Kamuntu
It was pomp & glamour as the Pan-African Pyramid held its annual PAP Global Awards at a mega event that took place at Fairway Hotel, Kampala on 31st August 2024.
At these awards, Uganda’s famous tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, the Chairman of Ruparelia Group of Companies, bagged the’ LIFETIME ACHIEVER (BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR)’ award and hailed the PAP Speaker and Chairman Andrew Irumba Katusabe for recognizing his remarkable contribution to Africa’s growth.
”Am extremely happy that at least my Pan-Africanism is not silent, people like Irumba can see it because sincerely I will never find a better continent than this that’s why whatever I do for this continent I do it with one heart. So I feel so honored to have received this award. Pan-Africanism is what should unite us all and therefore I request that you continue to support organizations like PAP because they are tirelessly doing their best for the betterment of our motherland Africa,” said Sudhir.
Further, Sudhir sent a message to the government, especially lawmakers, to consider a constitutional amendment and recognize Indians who have lived in Uganda for decades as one of the tribes of Ugandans.
“We are seeking recognition as a tribe in the country, with a call to lawmakers to expedite a constitutional amendment to make it happen. It’s a matter of respect, unity, and honor for the Indian community that has contributed significantly to Uganda’s growth and development for over 120 years,” Dr. Sudhir said.
According to Sudhir, approximately 35,000 Indians live in Uganda at present. The Indian Community is mainly concentrated in Kampala and Jinja, and it is estimated to contribute up to 65% of the country’s total tax revenue.
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