Museveni honors Indian entrepreneur Madhusudan Agrawal with Uganda’s highest civilian medal
President Museveni has awarded Indian businessman and philanthropist Madhusudan Agrawal the country’s highest civilian honor, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, for his outstanding contributions to Uganda.The honour was bestowed upon Mr. Agrawal, Honorary Consul of Uganda in Mumbai, during Uganda’s 62nd independence anniversary celebrations held in the eastern district of Busia near Kenya.Mr. Agrawal, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Ajanta Pharma, has made significant investments in Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector.He has also played a key role in launching the first direct Uganda Airlines flight between Mumbai and Uganda, which marks its first anniversary today.As Honorary Consul to Uganda for eight years, Ugandan President praised him for fostering bilateral trade and relations between Uganda and India and demonstrating a strong commitment to service and diplomacy in critical areas including healthcare and humanitarian efforts.He has organised life-saving surgeries for cataract and cancer patients and supported critical initiatives for underprivileged Ugandans.“Diplomacy is not just about formal engagements,” Mr Agrawal said. “It’s about finding real ways to make a difference in people’s lives, especially when they are most vulnerable.”Mr. Agrawal co-founded Ajanta Pharma Limited and expanded its exports to over 30 countries. His vision focuses on “Serving Global Healthcare needs through Empathy, Innovation, and Technology.” Ajanta Pharma employs over 7,500 people from 30 nationalities, providing innovative healthcare solutions.As Founder and Trustee of Mamta & Madhusudan Agrawal Foundation, Mr. Agrawal supports healthcare, education, prison welfare, and community development initiatives.In Uganda, his foundation has donated the Hope Express, a mobile mammography van to Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), benefiting over 297,000 women, and conducted free cataract eye surgeries.Additionally, Mr. Agrawal sponsored 100 paediatric heart surgeries for underprivileged Ugandan children in India and initiated an artificial limb distribution program, aiming to benefit 1,000 needy Ugandans.In India, his foundation runs a cancer awareness program, “Mai hoon na!!”, supports nutritional food programs for cancer children at TATA Memorial, and constructed Maharaja Agrasen Palace, a social welfare centre in Lonavala.Mr. Agrawal has received numerous national and international awards, including the ICONS AURANGABAD Award, presented by Ratan Tata, the 2019 ABLF Business Innovator Award, Lions Lifetime Achievement Award, Seva Bhushan Samman 2022 for social work, and Medal of Honour for consular activities (2022).Mr. Agrawal emphasizes leadership tolerance for sustainable progress and prosperity. His commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy has made a significant impact in Uganda and India.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajanta Pharma and Mr. Agrawal’s foundation extended support to the Indian government’s efforts, contributing to the Prime Minister’s CARES fund and donating medical equipment to various hospitals.Mr. Agrawal also facilitated repatriation flights for approximately 600 Ugandans, providing food packets for their safe passage.“Every effort, no matter how small, should contribute to the bigger goal of improving lives,” said Mr Agrawal also the Secretary General of HCCD Mumbai, enhancing business and cultural ties.“Providing healthcare, education, or even a means of transport during a crisis – this is the duty of those of us who are in a position to contribute.”This recognition adds to Mr. Agrawal’s impressive list of national and international awards for his business acumen and social service.Vishal Saria, Vice Consul of Uganda in Mumbai, India, has hailed the strengthening ties between Uganda and India, citing President Museveni’s pivotal role in fostering a conducive business environment for the Indian community.Mr. Saria praised President Museveni’s efforts in creating an enabling environment, which has significantly contributed to the flourishing bilateral relations, particularly in trade.Uganda and India have enjoyed cordial relations since India established its diplomatic presence in Uganda in 1965.The relationship between the two countries is built on historical cultural linkages, extensive economic and trade interests, and a shared commitment to democracy and peace.India remains one of Uganda’s top investors, with investments totaling USD 500 million in 2019. Bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.3 billion, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles, while importing tea, wood, and wood products from Uganda.India also offers scholarships and training programs for Ugandans, with over 500 students benefiting from these initiatives in 2019-2020.Additionally, India cooperates with Uganda in security and defence, training Ugandan defence officers in Indian facilities.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/museveni-honors-indian-entrepreneur-madhusudan-agrawal-with-ugandas-highest-civilian-medal/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum