Overview:
Kansai Plascon Uganda has pledged 100 heart surgeries for Ugandan children under five and 1,000 cataract operations, funded through proceeds from Plascon India Day 2026 at Kololo.
Kansai Plascon Uganda and its partners have pledged to support 100 heart surgeries for Ugandan children under five and 1,000 cataract operations, with proceeds from Plascon India Day 2026 directed towards the initiative.
The pledge was the centrepiece of the annual celebration, held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on 3 October. The event was organised by the Vishwadharma Foundation in conjunction with the Indian Association Uganda, with Kansai Plascon Uganda as headline sponsor.
Dr Santosh Gumte, Managing Director of Kansai Plascon Uganda, said the paint manufacturer was renewing a commitment it delivered on last year.
“Last year we pledged to support 100 heart surgeries and that took place. This year we are again committing to 100 heart surgeries,” he said.
According to Plascon, its healthcare support has so far helped facilitate 265 heart surgeries. Ahead of this year’s event, Dr Gumte met children who benefited from the previous programme.
Under the new initiative, eligible children with serious heart conditions will receive specialised treatment in India, followed by post-surgery care. The cataract operations will be carried out for patients across Uganda.
Dr Gumte said partnering with the Indian Association Uganda allowed businesses to pool resources and reach more people through community programmes.
The celebration drew thousands of people from Uganda’s Indian community and the wider public. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja attended, alongside Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Sanjay Tanna, Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara, Minister of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals) Phiona Nyamutoro and Senior Presidential Adviser Evelyn Anite.
Business leaders present included Indian Association Uganda chairman Paresh Mehta and representatives of the Ruparelia, Madhvani and Mehta groups.
The day featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, parades, about 30 stalls offering food, cultural displays and community services, and dance performances by close to 400 performers. Indian singers Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh closed the event with an evening concert.
A corporate dinner for sponsors and partners was held on Friday night, with music from violinist Amal and electric veena player Soundarya.