By: Ismael Kasooha
KAMPALA
The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has lauded the Indian community in Uganda for their contribution to the development of the country.
“I would like to salute the contribution Ugandans of Indian origin have played and continue to play in the development of our country. We appreciate it,” said Nabbanja.
Prime Minister with an Indian girl during celebrations
The Premier was on Sunday officiating at the Holi celebrations held at Lohana School in Kamyokya, a suburb of Kampala where thousands of Indians and Ugandans attended. Holi marks the last full-moon day of the lunar month. It’s a time of great cheer and fun as people smear bright colours on each other. It also symbolises new beginnings.
Nabbanja was happy to note the good and productive relations that exist between Uganda and India which have existed for very many years.
She said that fighting household poverty is the beginning of creating a conducive environment for people to be happy and celebrate achievements like this.
The day’s celebrations symbolize many things including the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
“I have also been told that it is a day that promotes forgiveness and doing good and as a day of spreading happiness, love and joy. These are all very good things. We need joy. We need happiness. We need forgiveness. And we need to love one another,” she added.
The premier assured the congregation that the NRM government is committed to develop Uganda and accordingly, invite local and foreign investors to put money here, do business, create jobs for our people, make profit and develop our country.
Prime Minister joins the Indian community for a photo
“Uganda is a safe and conducive place to do business and invest. This is because of the long period of peace, security and stability brought by the NRM Government under the wise leadership of President Yoweri Museveni. We must all play our roles to ensure that the peace, stability and security we have, remain and grow stronger,” said Nabbanja.
She asked the people to use such opportunities to continue to reflect on what each one of us can do and should do to make Uganda, our community and the world a better and happy place to live in.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Mr. Ajay Kumar, said that the festival is a sign of equality of all mankind without considering their social status.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate as mankind without considering our social status but we are all equal,” said Kumar.
The High Commissioner commended the Government of Uganda for its hospitality accorded to the people of Indian origin and allowing them even attain citizenship in the country.
The Chairman of The Indian Association in Uganda Mr. Mohan Rao, asked government to always support such festivals because they promote unity and oneness among the people.
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