Speaking during a get-together with members of the Indian community in Jinja City, Tanna, alongside his father and Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Sanjay Tanna, called for improved social integration and a shift in mindset beyond purely economic engagement.
The leaders noted that while the Indian community has played a significant role in Uganda’s economy through trade, investment and job creation, these contributions must be matched by stronger interpersonal relationships and respect in daily interactions with local communities.
Shyam Tanna said public perception of the Indian community is often shaped by everyday encounters, particularly how individuals treat ordinary Ugandans in workplaces and businesses.
“Whenever I upload a video, at least seven out of every ten comments are trolling me—questioning why I didn’t contest in India or whether Africans can be elected as leaders there. I face this daily, but we are partly to blame; how we treat local communities really matters,” he said.
He added that the treatment of domestic workers, drivers, cleaners and casual labourers often influences wider public attitudes toward the community.
“Let us be kind to people. The way we treat our maids, cleaners, drivers, and other indigenous Ugandans in our daily lives truly matters in shaping our coexistence,” he said.
The MP attributed his political success in Tororo Municipality to a family legacy rooted in inclusivity and respect, citing the influence of his grandparents, father and uncle Sanjay Tanna, whom he described as people who valued individuals regardless of economic status.
He also encouraged members of the Indian community to go beyond job creation and focus on economic empowerment of Ugandans, including supporting small entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.
“Strive to make communities self-reliant. Teach people how to run businesses, support them to grow, and help them build lasting economic legacies,” Shyam said, urging investors to expand operations in Tororo to create more jobs.
Minister Tanna, on his part, stressed the importance of personal conduct in shaping public perception, saying day-to-day interactions often influence attitudes more than corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“Why is it that when a European walks on the street and an Indian does, the perception is different, even when we contribute significantly through charity and job creation? It comes down to how we treat people,” he said.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Madhvan Group of Companies raised concerns over Uganda’s taxation regime, particularly the enforcement of a 40 percent tax on global income for Ugandan tax residents.
Speaking on behalf of the company, SK Ayenga described the tax as unfair and called for review, arguing that it creates disparities between income earned in Uganda and income earned abroad.
He noted that although Parliament rejected an amendment proposal by the Uganda Revenue Authority to reduce the rate from 40 percent to 15 percent, the existing law remains in force and is being implemented.
The discussions took place amid broader national conversations on social cohesion, inclusion and the role of diaspora communities in Uganda’s socio-economic development, with leaders calling for stronger trust and improved relations between communities.