“They welcomed the Ugandan Asians,” said Ms Madhvani.”The religious beliefs that people had, they continued, and they built over here, and I think it’s wonderful to see.”
Rizwan Rahemtulla, president of the Husaini Islamic Centre in the city, was one of those arriving with nothing but one suitcase and £50 between the family.
Mr Rahemtulla said: “It is a celebration that Peterborough opened their arms, allowed us Ugandan Asians here, gave us that warmth and that welcome, and I’m celebrating the fact that I am a true, proud, Peterborian.”
His 92-year-old father, Fazle-Abbas Rahemtulla, said: “Anything you need, they are prepared to help you and we are very thankful.”
About 100 people, including local councillors and police representatives, were at the civic reception on Saturday. The Ugandan flag was raised from the town hall and Ms Madhvani toured local mosques, Hindu temples and Sikh temples.
