Our purpose of presenting this website is to record a timeless history and present the experiences of Uganda Asians for future generations. This is a story of traumatic and stressful journey of Ugandan Asians who came penniless in a new cold country where they had to face racism, a cultural shock, and completely lost where they settled, were not accustomed to. Their journey of struggle, courage, resilience, tolerance, determination, and hope is a powerful testimony and inspiration for future generations. Their numerous incidences of prejudices, loneliness, losses of loved ones in different environment have shaped their lives.
Hemel Hempstead, located 24 miles northwest of London, has roots tracing back to the 8th century. Initially known as Henamsted or Hean-Hempsted, its name evolved over time, with potential links to the words 'heaven' or 'sky'. The town's earliest record is a land grant by King Offa in AD 705. It later gained prominence with the construction of the Norman parish church of St Mary's in 1140. After the Norman conquest, the town's lands had various notable owners, including Thomas Becket. By 1539, Henry VIII granted it a royal charter, emphasizing its growing significance in the region.
The Hemel Hempstead people welcomed the 30 Uganda Asian families with open hearts an act not forgotten and appreciated every day. People of Hemel Hempstead were so generous with their kindness and compassion. They welcome them with love and guided them to settle down in new environment with humbleness and humility. They also recognised and respected our Hindu culture, customs and traditions.
They came penniless, but they brought with them timeless Hindu culture, wisdom, faith, and beliefs that helped them to settle down and grow fast in Hemel Hempstead. It was very challenging times for the new comer, but their courage, resilience, tolerance, hope, and determination, they overcame all hurdles of life. Today, the hard work and sacrifice of first generations of Uganda Asians have given strong foundations through education, and law-abiding citizen of UK, to the second and third generations who have progressed and achieved success in all fields of employment, business, charity and have immensely contributed to the UK economy.
David Cameron in the run up to his election campaign had highlighted some of the many attributes that Hindus have brought to the UK. He stated “It’s hardly surprising that British Hindus have been such a successful part of our nation. After all, the values you brought with you when you arrived here are those traditionally associated with Britain: tolerance, honesty, enterprise, and respect for the law.” In 2012 and 2022 DIS had celebrated 40th . and 50th . Anniversaries of Uganda Asians respectively, living in Hemel Hempstead in recognition of their success stories of courage and determination.