Rugunda lobbies for Indian charity support
Prime Minister Dr. Ruhankana Rugunda lighting up a candle to open the Tamil Sangam Uganda Musical Night at the Didi's World Amusement Park in Kasanga. Looking on are L-R Sekeran Vellasamy a trustee of the association, V Kananathan the Ugandan Ambassador to Sri Lanka, K.P Eswar, a trustee and Nazurudheen Vaheed the Chairman of the Association. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE
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He added that the association also intends to start fundraising for sanitary facilities, scholastics, sports activities and organize sports tournaments to support the vulnerable communities in the country
The Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, has asked the Tamil Sangam community in Uganda to create more charitable activities in the country so as to promote cultural ties between Uganda and India.
Speaking at a fundraising concert to raise tuition for 20 needy orphans for secondary school education, Dr Rugunda lauded the Tamil Sangam Association for making substantial contribution towards vulnerable communities and worthy cause which support he said has been instrumental in promoting brotherhood, unity, solidarity and cultural ties between Ugandans and the Indian Community. Formed in 2005, the association is a non- profit organization.
“I am aware that you have been providing funding to support UWESO, The Mother Tereza charity, Kamwokya and Kansanga Primary schools, orphanages, victims of floods and I salute you for the good work,” Dr Rugunda said.
He added that besides charitable activities, events like bringing Indian artistes and sports personalities to perform in Uganda are good avenues to promote the cultural diversity between Uganda and India.
“We have a national NGO policy which guides charitable activities in the country and we want a vibrant NGO sector. I urge other communities to emulate the example of Tamil Sangam,” he noted.
Last Saturday, the Tamil Sangam Community in Uganda, hosted a renown Indian celebrity Dr. K.S. Chitra for a musical concert to raise tuition for 20 students who completed primary education but cannot afford secondary school education due to lack of fees.
According to Mohammad Wahib head of the Tamil Sangam association, they are planning to raise money for students in orphanage schools so that they can continue with secondary school education.
“We have realized that giving the students food in orphanages is not enough and primary education in Uganda is free. So, we are now sponsoring their secondary education by collecting money from all the Indian owned businesses in Uganda to support them,” he said.
He added that the association also intends to start fundraising for sanitary facilities, scholastics, sports activities and organize sports tournaments to support the vulnerable communities in the country.
