Kampala. Uganda’s leading businessman, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, joined members of the Indian Association Uganda in expressing optimism about the country’s investment prospects following the appointment of Hon. Sanjay Tanna as Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Indian Association Uganda in Kampala, attendees described Mr Tanna’s elevation to Cabinet as an opportunity to further strengthen Uganda’s investment climate and deepen collaboration between government and the private sector.
The event, which also celebrated the election of Mr Shyam Tanna as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality, attracted prominent business leaders, investors, members of the Indian-Ugandan community and government officials.
For many participants, the occasion was more than a celebration of political achievement. It was also viewed as a moment of renewed confidence in Uganda’s economic future and the role of the private sector in driving growth, job creation and industrialisation.
Dr Ruparelia, whose business empire spans real estate, hospitality, education, agriculture and finance, was among the notable figures at the event. His presence underscored the strong relationship between Uganda’s business community and policymakers tasked with shaping the country’s economic agenda.
Members of the Indian Association Uganda praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing Mr Tanna to the Trade Ministry, saying the decision reflects confidence in the contribution of the Indian-Ugandan community to national development.
Association leaders noted that Ugandans of Indian origin have for decades played a critical role in trade, manufacturing, agriculture and services, helping to create employment opportunities and attract investment into the country.
Several speakers expressed hope that Mr Tanna’s leadership at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives would help unlock new opportunities for investors and further position Uganda as a competitive destination for business within the East African region.
They pointed to the importance of strengthening trade relations, reducing barriers to investment and promoting industrial development as key priorities for sustaining economic growth.
Addressing guests, Mr Tanna pledged to work closely with the private sector to promote investment, expand trade opportunities and support government efforts aimed at industrial transformation.
He said Uganda remains well positioned to attract both local and foreign investment due to its strategic location, youthful population and improving infrastructure.
“Trade and investment remain critical drivers of economic growth. We shall continue engaging stakeholders to ensure Uganda remains an attractive destination for investors while creating opportunities for businesses to thrive,” he said.
Business leaders at the event also highlighted the contribution of major investors such as Dr Ruparelia, whose enterprises have become some of the largest private-sector employers in the country.
They noted that continued collaboration between government and investors would be crucial in achieving Uganda’s long-term development goals and enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Mr Shyam Tanna, who recently secured victory in the Tororo Municipality parliamentary race, thanked supporters for their confidence and pledged to champion policies that promote economic empowerment, youth employment and community development.
The thanksgiving ceremony concluded with calls for greater partnership between government, investors and communities, with participants expressing confidence that the new leadership positions held by Sanjay and Shyam Tanna would contribute positively to Uganda’s economic and political development.
For many in attendance, the event symbolised the growing role of the Indian-Ugandan community in shaping the country’s future and reaffirmed the importance of investment, entrepreneurship and public service in advancing national prosperity.