By Frank Kamuntu
Prominent businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has called for formal recognition of the Asian community as one of Uganda’s tribes, emphasizing their long-standing presence and significant contributions to Uganda’s development.
Speaking in a recent video on his TikTok, Dr. Sudhir, Uganda’s wealthiest businessman and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, noted that the Asian community which makes 0.001% of the population has been in Uganda for over 120 years and is as rooted in the country as other migrant groups who have received recognition.
According to Dr Sudhir, their economic contributions benefit all Ugandans, arguing that a formal recognition would validate the community’s deep commitment to Uganda’s progress. He highlighted that many Asians born in Uganda, including himself, see the country as their home and are dedicated to its growth and prosperity.
Why not us? we contribute a lot to the economy of this country. Asians are here and we contribute between 60 to 65% of revenue for this country. Uganda is my home I can’t stay anywhere else. I have a home in England, I home in Dubai but Uganda has always been my first home”. Dr Sudhir said.
He underscored the need for an official identity that acknowledges their place in Uganda’s cultural landscape.
”We need an identity in this country just like others who migrated to Uganda and got recognized”.
It is worth noting that, Dr. Sudhir was recently honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achiever (Business Entrepreneur)’ award at Pan African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards 2024. This honour recognised his exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, which has had a profound impact on Uganda and the African continent as well as his status as one of Uganda’s top taxpayers, according to the Uganda Revenue Authority.
Through his businesses, Dr Sudhir directly and indirectly employs over 10,000 Africans, positively impacting the lives of thousands across the continent.
Several Asians, particularly of Indian descent, have a long history in Uganda, dating back to the colonial era. They have been well-known for their business expertise, a legacy that continues today.
However, during the rule of former President Idi Amin in the 1970s, many Asians were expelled from the country and their businesses were handed over to Ugandans, most of whom struggled to manage them. Despite this period of controversy, the Asian community remains a central force in Uganda’s business landscape, operating both large and medium enterprises.
This call for recognition has sparked a growing debate within Uganda, with various community leaders weighing in on the historical and cultural integration of the Asian population.
Advocates for this recognition note that the inclusion of Asians as a recognized tribe could promote a more inclusive national identity, while also honouring the diverse contributions of Uganda’s cultural communities.
