Plascon Uganda donates UGX300M for children’s heart surgeries

KAMPALA, Uganda — Kansai Plascon Uganda has contributed UGX300 million (about $80,000) to fund life-saving heart surgeries for more than 100 Ugandan children. The donation was the focal point of the Indian community’s annual celebration of culture and unity.

The announcement was the highlight of this year’s India Day, an event organized by the Indian Association Uganda and the Sindhi Community Uganda. Held Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Kololo Independence Grounds, the event was a vibrant display of traditional dance and music, but its deeper purpose was to address the critical need for cardiac care for children.

Santosh Gumte, managing director of Kansai Plascon Uganda, spoke with emotion about his company’s commitment, citing that 8,300 children are born in Uganda each year with congenital heart defects.

“I see those numbers, and I don’t just see statistics — I see potential scientists, lawyers, engineers, doctors, and leaders,” Gumte said. “We believe that corporate success must be measured not only by profit but also by the difference we make in the lives of the people around us. Our paint brings colour to homes, but our partnerships and community work bring hope to hearts.”

Paresh R. Mehta, acting chairman of the Indian Association Uganda, described this year’s India Day as “a celebration with a heartbeat.” He confirmed that the funds would send the first group of 50 children to India for fully-covered surgeries. Mehta acknowledged Plascon as the main sponsor and praised the support of other partners, including Airtel Uganda and Uganda Airlines.

Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala praised the Indian community’s contributions to Uganda’s development and noted that the philanthropic cause aligns with national goals of improving healthcare.

“This evening is a powerful reminder of what partnership can achieve,” Wamala said. “The government of Uganda recognizes and appreciates the immense contributions of the Indian community to our economy, our culture, and our social programs.”

He added that the government is working to strengthen health infrastructure and create more public-private partnerships in the health sector.

“It is when we combine our efforts, government, corporate, and community, that we can move mountains,” Wamala said. “On behalf of the government and the people of Uganda, I thank you for this gift of life you are giving to our children.”

Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Upender Singh Rawat reflected on his third India Day in the country, stating that it celebrates the “friendship between India and Uganda, a bond that is rooted not just in trade and history but in shared values of compassion and solidarity.”

The night concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display and performances by Indian pop stars, including Guru Randhawa, who had the crowd dancing and singing along.

Delegations from Indian associations in Jinja, Lira, Mbale, and Burundi attended, alongside prominent Ugandan personalities, ministers, and business leaders. Awards were also given to outstanding individuals and companies that have championed blood donation and medical aid in Uganda.