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Tag: Santosh Gumte

  • Music Meets Mission as EICA Holi Festival Raises Cancer Awareness

    Music Meets Mission as EICA Holi Festival Raises Cancer Awareness

    Music, culture, and a shared commitment to social impact came together at Kampala Parents School as the East Indian Cultural Association (EICA) hosted its annual Holi musical festival, a two-day celebration held as part of the wider Holi festivities in Kampala. This year’s event carried a powerful message of community responsibility, with the festival dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and supporting outreach initiatives that take awareness campaigns to villages across Uganda.

    Cancer remains a growing public health concern in Uganda, with many cases still detected at advanced stages due to limited awareness and delayed screening. Health advocates continue to emphasize the importance of community education in addressing the challenge.

    Through its outreach initiatives, EICA has been supporting awareness campaigns that travel to rural communities, helping families understand the importance of early detection, regular medical check-ups, and timely treatment.

    By linking the Holi celebrations to this cause, the association, in partnership with Plascon and other stakeholders, sought to use the power of culture and community gatherings to spotlight an issue that affects thousands of Ugandan families.

    The evening began shortly after 8:00 PM, as members of the Indian community, invited guests, and cultural enthusiasts streamed into the venue. Many arrived dressed in vibrant traditional attire, reflecting the festive spirit associated with Holi celebrations. Families exchanged warm greetings while children moved excitedly through the grounds, as anticipation built for the night’s performances.

    Opening the programme were energetic performances by children’s cultural dance groups, whose colourful costumes and lively choreography immediately captured the audience’s attention. The young performers drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd, setting the tone for a night that blended cultural pride with community celebration.

    The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by celebrated Bollywood playback singer Shraddha Pandit. Taking to the stage to loud cheers, Pandit delivered a dynamic musical set featuring a mix of beloved Bollywood classics and contemporary hits. Her powerful vocals and engaging stage presence quickly transformed the atmosphere into a lively concert, with many in the audience singing along and dancing throughout the performance.

    Kansai Plascon continued the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting cultural initiatives and community engagement within Uganda’s Indian diaspora by stepping in as a main sponsor.

    The festival was attended by the company’s Managing Director, Santosh Gumte, who was recognized by the East Indian cultural Association with an award in recognition for his and Plascon’s valuable contribution to the country and society towards community development.

    He in his brief remarks reaffirmed the company’s pride in supporting an event that not only celebrates culture and unity but also contributes to meaningful causes. He highlighted that Kansai Plascon’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to community development and social responsibility, particularly initiatives that create awareness around important health issues such as cancer.

  • Kansai Plascon Boosts Buganda Heritage with UGX 50M Donation for Bulange Renovation

    Kansai Plascon Boosts Buganda Heritage with UGX 50M Donation for Bulange Renovation

    In a strong demonstration of corporate social responsibility and commitment to cultural preservation, Kansai Plascon Uganda has today officially handed over paint and items worth UGX 50 million to the Buganda Kingdom for the refurbishment of Bulange Mengo, the Kingdom’s central administrative building and cultural landmark. The donation, made as part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda, alongside Buganda Kingdom officials, the Plascon Uganda team led by Managing Director Mr. Santosh Gumte, and members of the press.

     

    Now in the seventh year of a strong and purposeful partnership, Plascon and the Buganda Kingdom continue to collaborate on projects aimed at uplifting communities, preserving heritage, and investing in the future. This year’s paint handover includes not only the donation of high-quality paint but also the provision of a professional painting team to restore Bulange Mengo’s structure to its original beauty.

     

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Gumte expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s trust in Plascon and emphasized the broader meaning behind the gesture.

     

    “It is a great privilege for us to contribute to the refurbishment of Bulange Mengo, a building that is not only central to the Kingdom’s administration but also deeply symbolic of Buganda’s history and culture. We view this not merely as a donation, but as a meaningful contribution to safeguarding our shared heritage. When we help preserve landmarks like Bulange, we’re helping future generations to connect with their identity,” said Mr. Gumte.

     

    He also reiterated Plascon’s long-term vision of working with cultural institutions to deliver sustainable impact.

     

    “Our partnership with Buganda goes beyond business. We are proud to be aligned with an institution that values development, tradition, and its people. Through continued support in health, education, agriculture, and sports, we are determined to give back to the communities that have helped us grow,” he added.

     

    The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, commended Plascon not only for the consistency of their support but also for the company’s values and integrity, which he noted are increasingly rare in today’s business landscape.

     

    “Companies like Plascon are key to the future of our nation. Uganda’s population is largely made up of young people, and when responsible businesses like Plascon thrive, they create employment, expand opportunity, and contribute significantly to our economy. This is one of the few companies that continue to faithfully meet tax obligations, and that speaks volumes about its character,” said the Katikkiro.

     

    He went on to describe the importance of mutual respect and goodwill in sustaining partnerships that benefit the wider community.

     

    “A company with empathy and a sense of purpose will always stand the test of time. Plascon has demonstrated that they care, not only through product quality and brand consistency but also through their willingness to invest in the heritage of Buganda. From painting our buildings to supporting Masaza football, they have positioned themselves as a true friend to the Kingdom and its people,” he remarked.

     

    Plascon’s involvement in the refurbishment of Buganda’s landmarks goes far beyond Bulange. Over the years, the company has contributed to the refurbishment of Twekobe, Butikkiro, and other important structures within the Kingdom, ensuring that these symbols of history remain intact and vibrant. Their support extends to sports development as well, with ongoing sponsorships of initiatives like the Masaza Cup and Buddu FC, which provides platforms for young talent across the region.

     

     

  • Budo Junior School Receives UGX 23M Paint Donation from Kansai Plascon

    Budo Junior School Receives UGX 23M Paint Donation from Kansai Plascon

    Kansai Plascon Uganda has today handed over paint worth UGX 23 million to Budo Junior School, contributing to the completion of a new girls’ dormitory as part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. This initiative reflects Plascon’s commitment to supporting education, community development, and the empowerment of the girl child.

    Speaking at the handover event, Plascon Managing Director, Santosh Gumte, emphasized the company’s dedication to education and the well-being of students.

    “Education is a cornerstone of development, and creating safe, inspiring learning spaces is essential for students to thrive. Through this donation, Plascon is proud to support Budo Junior School in providing a comfortable and conducive environment for young girls. This aligns with our broader mission of empowering communities and investing in the future of Uganda’s youth.”

    “At Plascon, we believe in using our expertise and resources to make a positive impact beyond business. We hope this contribution will enhance the learning experience and create a welcoming space for the students,” added Santosh

    The Headmaster of Budo Junior School, Ssentumbwe Andrew, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its significance in completing the dormitory project.

    “We are deeply grateful to Plascon for their generous support. The completion of this dormitory is a major step in improving the school’s infrastructure, ensuring that our students have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Partnerships like this are invaluable in our mission to provide quality education and a nurturing environment for our learners.”

    The event was attended by school administrators, members of the Budo Club, and representatives from Plascon. This initiative is part of Plascon’s wider CSR strategy, which focuses on education, community development, and sustainability, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.