The growing ties between Uganda and its Indian community are set to be highlighted at India Day 2026, with Ruparelia Group joining a number of companies supporting this year’s celebrations.
The business conglomerate founded by businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has been named among the event’s principal sponsors, with Kansai Plascon Uganda taking the lead as the headline sponsor.
India Day brings together Ugandans and members of the Indian community to celebrate shared cultural heritage while recognising the community’s contribution to Uganda’s social and economic progress.
The annual celebration is usually held around India’s Independence Day on August 15 and features a mix of music, traditional dances, food and entertainment. Over time, however, the event has grown beyond cultural festivities to become an avenue for business networking, community engagement and humanitarian initiatives.
This year’s sponsorship features businesses from a wide range of sectors, including banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, education, transport, technology, hospitality and logistics.
Other partners supporting India Day 2026 include Tembo and Lifeline Steels, Airtel Uganda, TyreXpress, Travelog, Bank of Baroda Uganda, Technology Associates, Empire, Inspiring Solutions, Victoria University, Suzuki by CFAO, Africa Global Logistics and BZolutions Global Private Limited.
For Ruparelia Group, the 2026 sponsorship continues its involvement in the annual celebration, having also supported the 2025 India Day held at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Last year’s event combined cultural celebrations with a humanitarian campaign aimed at helping children born with congenital heart defects.
Through the initiative, participating partners raised resources to facilitate specialised treatment and life-saving surgeries for the affected children in India. The first group of 50 children was selected to travel to India for medical care.
The campaign demonstrated how India Day has increasingly evolved from a purely cultural event into a platform through which partnerships can be formed to respond to important community needs.
Ruparelia Group has maintained a significant presence within Uganda’s Indian community as well as the country’s broader business sector.
The group has investments across real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, agriculture, media and other areas. Its portfolio includes Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Speke Hotel, Kampala Parents’ School, Kampala International School Uganda and Victoria University.
Through the Ruparelia Foundation, the group has also supported initiatives covering healthcare, education, sports, culture and community development.
Sudhir Ruparelia has previously served as a trustee of the Indian Association of Uganda, giving him an additional connection to the affairs and activities of the Indian community.
The participation of major companies in India Day 2026 comes at a time when economic and cultural ties between Uganda and India remain an important part of the country’s commercial landscape.
The diverse group of sponsors reflects the presence of Indian-linked businesses across several key sectors, including financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, education, mobility, technology and logistics.
The organisers are expected to bring together business leaders, government officials, members of the Indian community and the wider public during the celebrations.
While the event will continue to showcase Indian culture, it will also seek to encourage interaction, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and stronger people-to-people relationships between Uganda and India.
Ruparelia Group’s continued involvement places it among businesses using the annual celebration not only to promote cultural connections but also to support community development and broader social initiatives.
