Renowned Indian spiritual leader Jayramgiri Bapu, the 14th successor of the historic 900-year-old Bujirat Temple in India, has arrived in Uganda for a five-day visit aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation in trade and tourism.
The visit, which coincides with the annual Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, underscores the growing ties between Uganda and India in economic and cultural spheres.
Speaking on behalf of Jayramgiri Bapu, his representative, Miraj Barot, the managing director of Titupati Group, emphasized the visit’s focus on strengthening trade relations.
“This visit is a significant step toward ensuring that both Uganda and India thrive through mutually beneficial trade partnerships, particularly in the livestock sector,” Barot said.
He highlighted Bapu’s vision of leveraging India’s expertise in cattle breeding and dairy production to support Ugandan farmers, with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Rev. Canon Aaron Mwesigye, Head of Religious Affairs at State House, welcomed Bapu’s visit, noting its potential to deepen collaboration in tourism.
“Jayramgiri Bapu’s presence offers a unique opportunity to promote Uganda as a destination for cultural and religious tourism,” Mwesigye said. He added that the spiritual leader’s focus on cattle aligns with Uganda’s agricultural priorities, as livestock farming is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
Mwesigye expressed optimism that Bapu’s visit would inspire partnerships to empower local farmers, ensuring they succeed in modernizing cattle rearing and improving yields.
Bapu, revered for his spiritual leadership and commitment to community development, is expected to meet with Ugandan farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials during his visit.
His itinerary includes visits to cattle farms in the central and western regions, where he will explore opportunities for introducing advanced breeding techniques and sustainable farming practices from India.
These efforts aim to boost the quality and quantity of Uganda’s cattle, a vital asset for both meat and dairy production.
The timing of Bapu’s visit is particularly significant, as it coincides with the week-long commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs, a major religious and cultural event that draws thousands of pilgrims to Namugongo.
During his stay, Bapu said he will offer prayers for peace and unity in Uganda, expressing solidarity with the nation as it honors its martyrs.
“I pray for harmony and prosperity for the people of Uganda,” Bapu said in a statement, emphasizing the shared values of compassion and community between the two nations.
The visit is expected to pave the way for future collaborations, including potential agreements on livestock technology transfers and joint tourism initiatives. Ugandan officials hope that Bapu’s influence will attract Indian investors to explore opportunities in the country’s burgeoning agricultural and tourism sectors.
