Uganda May Grant Indigenous Status to Indian Community; Speaker Hails PM Modi
Uganda Parliament Speaker Marksons Jacob Oboth praises PM Modi and reveals plans to recognize the Indian community as indigenous in the Constitution.
In a significant move that could redefine the legal and social standing of the diaspora, Uganda is considering recognizing the Indian community as an indigenous group within its Constitution. This revelation came from the Speaker of the Uganda Parliament, Marksons Jacob Oboth, who praised the strengthening India Uganda relations and the cooperation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Yoweri Museveni.
A Historic Shift in Recognition
Speaking on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, Speaker Oboth highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations. He noted that the Indian community stands as one of the largest and most influential groups in Uganda. The proposed constitutional recognition as an indigenous group marks a pivotal step in acknowledging their enduring contribution to the nation.
This gesture is particularly poignant given the turbulent history shared by the two countries. Oboth recalled the dark chapter of 1972, when former President Idi Amin expelled the Indian population from Uganda. He credited President Yoweri Museveni for reversing those injustices by restoring the properties and assets that the Indian community had lost during that era.
Integration into Ugandan Governance
The Speaker emphasized that the Indian community is already deeply integrated into the fabric of Ugandan leadership. He pointed out that individuals of Indian origin currently hold prestigious positions within the country's political institutions, serving as both Ministers in the government and Members of Parliament.
"The relationship between India and Uganda is the best and at its best right now than any other country in Africa," Oboth stated, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his willingness to collaborate closely with President Museveni.
Looking Ahead: Trade and Climate Action
Beyond social recognition, Speaker Oboth called for a more robust bilateral engagement to tackle pressing global issues. He suggested that both nations should leverage their partnership to address:
- Climate Change: Joint efforts toward environmental protection and sustainability.
- Economic Growth: Strengthening trade-related legislation to overcome economic hurdles.
- Global Challenges: Exploiting mutual advantages to harness shared resources.
The BRICS Connection
These discussions took place during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held on October 26-27 in New Delhi. The event, conducted under India's 2026 BRICS Chairship, focused on the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
The forum served as a platform for parliamentary leaders from member and partner countries to deliberate on critical modern issues, including the ethics of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the reform of global governance. Uganda, which joined as a BRICS partner country in 2025, continues to use these international platforms to deepen its strategic ties with India.