Date:12/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/12/stories/2007051212790400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Indians safe in Uganda, says Minister

Staff Reporter

GOODWILL GESTURE: Ugandan Minister for Internal Affairs Ruhakana Rugunda (right) calling on Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: The April 12 incident involving the death of Devang Rawal from Ahmedabad in violence in Uganda was unforeseen and unfortunate, Ugandan Internal Affairs Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said here on Friday. Nevertheless, Uganda continues to be a safe place for Indians, both for those living there as well as for investors.

Mr. Rugunda, leading a special delegation sent by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and conveyed his condolences on Rawal's death. He assured the State Government that Indians had been provided all protection in Uganda. He said the situation in his country was peaceful and there had been no untoward incident against Indians/Asians since April 12. The delegation is on an 11-day tour of the country.

According to a background paper circulated by the Ministry of External Affairs, East and Southern Africa Division, the Confederation of Indian Industry is organising an India-Africa Partnership Conclave in Kampala on June 29. Kampala has been chosen for the event as the hub for all countries in East Africa. A large number of Indian companies are expected to participate in the event.

Mr. Rugunda also met Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Kaul and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his condolence on the death of Rawal. He will be meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Members of the delegation are Sanjay Tanna, MP; Singh Katongole, Deputy National Treasurer; Sanjiv Patel, Representative of the Indian Association in Uganda; and Mukesh Thakkrar, Representative, Translink, employer of Rawal.