Billionaire businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is set to unveil one of Uganda’s most ambitious tourism investments yet, a private island luxury resort on Lake Victoria that is expected to open later this year. The development, known as Paradise Island Resort, sits on a 24-acre island and is poised to redefine high-end leisure and eco-tourism in the country.
Located about a 20-minute speedboat ride from Speke Resort Munyonyo, the island offers a rare blend of seclusion and accessibility. Surrounded by open water, rocky outcrops, and rich birdlife, the resort has been designed to blend naturally into its environment rather than dominate it. The goal, according to people familiar with the project, has been to create a destination that feels exclusive without losing its connection to Lake Victoria’s natural beauty.
The resort features a range of accommodation options carefully spread across the island to preserve privacy and scenery. These include standard cottages, cliff-side units built along elevated rock formations, spacious two-bedroom cottages, and executive villas intended for high-end guests seeking maximum comfort. Each structure emphasizes open views of the lake, natural ventilation, and modern interiors designed to match international luxury standards.
To support operations on the island, the Ruparelia Group commissioned a purpose-built barge to handle logistics between the mainland and the resort. The vessel is used to transport supplies, equipment, and staff, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting the island’s ecosystem. This infrastructure investment reflects a broader strategy of self-sufficiency, a hallmark of Ruparelia’s long-term business approach.
Paradise Island Resort is expected to play a meaningful role in strengthening Uganda’s tourism sector, particularly at the premium end of the market. As global travelers increasingly seek unique, experience-driven destinations, private island resorts offer a strong competitive advantage. The project is also anticipated to create jobs across hospitality, transport, and service industries, contributing to economic activity around Lake Victoria.
The island resort adds to Dr. Ruparelia’s extensive hospitality portfolio, which already includes some of Uganda’s most recognizable properties such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, and the Commonwealth Convention Centre. Together, these investments have helped position Uganda as a viable destination for international conferences, leisure tourism, and luxury travel.
Beyond its commercial value, Paradise Island Resort signals growing confidence in Uganda’s tourism potential. It reflects a belief that the country can attract high-spending visitors while preserving its natural assets. By combining eco-conscious design with world-class amenities, the project aligns with a global shift toward sustainable luxury.
As the opening approaches, anticipation continues to build within the hospitality industry. Paradise Island Resort is not just another hotel development. It represents a statement about where Uganda’s tourism sector is headed and reinforces Sudhir Ruparelia’s reputation for building long-term assets designed to endure and elevate the industries they serve.
