Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s wealthiest businessman, and the chairman of the Ruparelia Group has joined the growing number of voices calling for the formal recognition of the Asian community as one of Uganda’s tribes. Although of Indian descent, Dr. Ruparelia was born in Uganda, and in a recent video posted on his TikTok account, ‘jointsofsudhir,’ he expressed the need for Asians in Uganda to be recognized just like other groups that migrated to the country.
In the video, Dr. Ruparelia highlighted that Asians have been part of Uganda’s society for over 120 years, making up 0.001% of the population. He stressed their significant contributions to the country’s economy, saying, “We need an identity in this country just like others who migrated to Uganda and got recognized.”
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 handed over to Ugandans, most of whom struggled to manage them. Despite this period of contraversy, the Asian community remains a central force in Uganda’s business landscape, operating both large and medium enterprises.
Dr. Ruparelia pointed out that while Asians make up a small fraction of Uganda’s population, they contribute significantly to the country’s revenue. “Asians are 0.001% of the total population of the country, but we contribute 60 to 65% of Uganda’s revenue,” he noted.
When asked about his deep connection to Uganda, Dr. Ruparelia said, “Uganda is my home, and that alone shows how much I love it. I can live anywhere, but Uganda is always my first home. I have homes in England and Dubai, but Uganda remains my first choice.”
Dr. Ruparelia’s call for recognition brings the public to a discussion about the status of the Asian community in Uganda and their role in the nation’s economic and social fabric.
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