NEW DELHI — Uganda and India on November 29, 2025, marked 60 years of diplomatic relations at a colourful celebration held in New Delhi, reaffirming long-standing political, economic and cultural ties.
The joint commemoration, which coincided with Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day, was organised by the Uganda High Commission and attended by senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and development partners.
The event featured cultural performances, raffle awards and a ceremonial cake-cutting symbolizing the shared history and cooperation between the two nations.
Uganda was represented by John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, who praised India’s continued support for Uganda’s socioeconomic development agenda.
Mulimba highlighted the scope for deeper cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing, agricultural value addition, tourism and hospitality.
He urged Indian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, including mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, the Big Five safaris, mountaineering, white-water rafting and religious tourism.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, welcomed guests and traced the historical foundations of Uganda–India relations back to the early 20th century when Indians arrived in Uganda to work on the construction of the Uganda Railway.
She noted that Indians, Persons of Indian Origin and indigenous Ugandans played key roles in the push for self-governance leading to Uganda’s independence in 1962.
Kikafunda said the relationship has steadily expanded over the decades through the establishment of High Commissions in 1965, reciprocal high-level visits and cooperation across multiple sectors.
She cited milestones such as India’s support for the successful hosting of the 19th NAM and Third South Summits in Kampala in January 2024, the establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University campus in Jinja in 2023, and continued collaboration in health, including the Bhabhatron Cancer Therapy machine gifted to the Uganda Cancer Institute and India’s assistance during the COVID-19 response.
Uganda Airlines, represented by Country Manager Lenny Malasi, reaffirmed the airline’s role in strengthening connectivity between India and Africa.
The carrier recently signed an interline agreement with Air India, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly from multiple Indian cities to Uganda and other destinations.
A raffle draw by Uganda Airlines saw two winners receive return tickets to Uganda, handed over by Mulimba.
India was represented by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and External Affairs, who underscored the spirit of trust, shared aspirations and expanding cooperation that has defined the Uganda–India partnership.
He emphasized the importance of ongoing political engagement, development cooperation, economic ties and strong people-to-people connections.
For six decades, Uganda and India have collaborated across political, economic, defence, health, education, social and cultural spheres.
Officials said this enduring partnership continues to advance sustainable development, regional integration and inclusive growth, with Uganda positioning itself as a prime destination for investment and tourism.
The celebrations concluded with the launch of a commemorative publication, 60 Years of Uganda–India Diplomatic Relations, produced by Diplomacy and Beyond Magazine.