Thousands of people gathered at Kololo Independence Grounds on Saturday for Plascon India Day 2026, a celebration that combined Indian music, dance and cuisine.
The was also a healthcare initiative supporting Ugandan children and patients programme included a flag-hoisting ceremony and colourful parades, while about 30 stalls showcased Indian food, cultural displays and community services. Nearly 400 performers also took to in need of cataract surgery.
Held on October 3, the event was organised by the Vishwadharma Foundation in conjunction with the Indian Association Uganda, with Kansai Plascon Uganda as the headline sponsor.
The celebration brought together members of Uganda’s Indian community and the wider public for a full day of cultural activities, entertainment and community engagement.
The programme included a flag-hoisting ceremony and colourful parades, while about 30 stalls showcased Indian food, cultural displays and community services. Nearly 400 performers also took to the stage for traditional, classical and contemporary Indian dance performances.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, alongside Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Sanjay Tanna, Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara and Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba.
Other guests included Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in charge of Minerals Phiona Nyamutoro and Senior Presidential Adviser Evelyn, Madhvani and Me Anite.
Corporate leaders, exhibitors and community representatives also attended, including Indian Association Uganda chairman Paresh Mehta and representatives of the Ruparelia, Madhvani and Mehta business groups.
The evening was headlined by Indian singer Neha Kakkar, who performed some of her popular songs before being joined by her husband, singer Rohanpreet Singh.
The pair had the audience singing and dancing along, bringing the day’s celebrations to a lively conclusion.
Beyond the entertainment, this year’s event carried a strong healthcare focus, with Kansai Plascon Uganda and its partners pledging support for 100 heart surgeries for Ugandan children under the age of five and 1,000 cataract operations.
The initiative builds on last year’s commitment to support 100 heart surgeries, which Plascon said was fulfilled.
“Last year we pledged to support 100 heart surgeries and that took place. This year we are again committing to 100 heart surgeries,” Kansai Plascon Uganda Managing Director Dr Santosh Gumte said ahead of the event.
Gumte said the partnership with the Indian Association Uganda expected to receive specialised treatment in India, followed by post-operative support. The cataract programme will-Uganda relations, Kampala events, Uganda entertainment, community provides an opportunity for businesses to pool resources and expand the reach of community-focused initiatives.
The company said its previous healthcare interventions had helped facilitate 265 heart surgeries. Ahead of this year’s celebration, Gumte also met some beneficiaries of the earlier programme.
Under the new initiative, eligible children with serious heart conditions are expected to receive specialised treatment in India, followed by post-operative support. The cataract programme will target patients across Uganda.
The healthcare drive therefore adds a social impact dimension to an event that has grown into an important platform for showcasing Indian culture and strengthening ties between Uganda’s Indian community and the wider public.
The celebrations also included a corporate dinner on Friday, where violinist Amal and electric veena player Soundarya provided live instrumental performances for sponsors and partners ahead of the main event.
With its combination of culture, entertainment and community support, Plascon India Day 2026 brought together celebration and social responsibility, while directing attention to healthcare needs affecting children and families across Uganda.
