Gujarati in Uganda
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Gujarati |
| Country: | Uganda |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 507,000 |
| World Population: | 3,518,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.13 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.13 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The first South Asians to go to what is now Uganda were mostly Punjabis who worked on the Uganda Railway project until it was completed. After that came the "passenger Indians," who were mostly traders from Gujarat. The Gujarati business community thrived until the early 1970s when Ugandan Dictator Idi Amin expelled the Asians from his country. Most Gujaratis re-settled in more business-friendly countries like the UK, the US, and Canada. Some returned to Uganda after Amin was thrust out of office.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Gujaratis in Africa are noted for their business-savvy ways, and Uganda is no exception. Many are involved with lucrative import/export trade, motels, local shops, while a smaller number are in the medical or IT professions.
Gujaratis have strong extended families as well as worldwide business networks. These two factors have helped them to thrive throughout Africa and beyond. Even if one's business fails, the family helps the Gujarati individual to take the next painful step towards getting back on their feet. To a Gujarati, having one's own business, even a small one, is viewed more favorably than working for someone else. Enterprise is a cultural value. Businesses are conducted with others they trust, which can reinforce working with other Gujaratis across the globe.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Gujarati in diaspora serve the great god of mammon but hold to traditional Gujarati Hindu beliefs and practices as well. Those beliefs and practices will differ widely according to details of caste and family background, and some will be deeply concerned and committed related to their traditional ways. Traditional gods and modern gurus compete for attention, with the 19th century-origin Swaminarayan movement continuing to grow and draw Gujarati involvement.
What Are Their Needs?
In most countries where there are Gujarati communities, there are no missionary agencies focusing taking Christ to them. The Bible is available in their language, but the Gujarati must see Christianity lived out. There are many strong believers in Uganda who can take Christ to the Hindu Gujaratis.
Prayer Points
Pray for an intense spiritual hunger among these Hindus that will draw them into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Gujarati in Uganda.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to Christ among Gujaratis throughout East Africa that will result in them experiencing the intense blessings of Christ.