On January 17, 2026, Uganda’s most recognisable business figures, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, marked his 70th birthday. The milestone celebrated a journey spanning seven decades of determination, courage, and lasting contribution to Uganda’s economic development.
Dr. Ruparelia was born in 1956 in Kabatoro, Kasese District, at a time when the country was still finding its footing after independence. His childhood was later disrupted by political instability. In 1972, when Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of Asians from Uganda, the Ruparelia family was forced to flee. Sudhir was only 16 years old when he left the country he called home.
The family resettled in the United Kingdom, where life was far from easy. Sudhir took on demanding jobs in supermarkets, factories, and butcheries, working long hours to support himself and his family. Through discipline and sacrifice, he managed to save about 25,000 US dollars. Those difficult years also shaped his business mindset and sharpened his instincts as an entrepreneur.
His rise would later be recognised globally. In 2014, Forbes documented Sudhir Ruparelia’s journey when he joined the list of dollar billionaires, highlighting one of Africa’s most remarkable self-made success stories.
As political stability gradually returned to Uganda in the mid-1980s, Ruparelia made the decision to come back home in 1985. Determined to rebuild his future, he began by importing beer and spirits from Kenya. However, in 1989, government policy banned beer imports. Instead of retreating, he adjusted quickly to the changing environment.
That same year, he established Crane Forex Bureau, Uganda’s first foreign exchange bureau. This move marked the beginning of what would grow into one of the most powerful business groups in East Africa.
In 1995, Ruparelia took another bold step by founding Crane Bank. The bank rapidly expanded and became a major player in Uganda’s financial sector. Its success laid the groundwork for the formation of the Ruparelia Group, a diversified conglomerate that today operates across numerous industries.
The Group’s investments cover real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, floriculture, and broadcasting, among others. Its properties have become landmarks in Kampala and beyond. These include Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, and several commercial office towers that now define the city’s skyline.
Through these businesses, the Ruparelia Group employs thousands of Ugandans and plays a significant role in private-sector growth. Dr. Ruparelia’s approach has always emphasised diversification, long-term planning, and the ability to adapt during challenging times. Even after the closure of Crane Bank in 2016 and the later return of its assets, he continued investing and expanding across different sectors.
Speke Resort Munyonyo stands out as one of his most prominent investments. The resort has become Uganda’s leading venue for international summits, high-level conferences, and global events, positioning the country as a destination for world-class meetings and tourism.
His achievements have earned him national honours. In 2025, Dr. Ruparelia received the Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to wildlife conservation and tourism development. In the same year, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievers Award at the National Property Awards.
Beyond his business empire, Dr. Ruparelia has remained deeply committed to social causes. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, he has supported education, healthcare services, youth initiatives, and environmental conservation, reflecting a strong sense of responsibility toward Uganda’s broader development.
The 70th birthday celebrations were accompanied by warm tributes from across the country. Many described him as a visionary leader and a national asset. These messages came during a period of personal grief following the tragic death of his son, Rajiv Ruparelia, in 2025. Despite this loss, he has continued to lead with dignity, resilience, and faith in Uganda’s future.
As Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia enters his eighth decade, his life story remains a powerful example of perseverance, bold decision-making, and commitment to nation-building, leaving a legacy that continues to shape Uganda’s economic landscape.
