Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, known to many city dwellers as the “Landlord of Kampala,” remains Uganda’s wealthiest man and one of the richest individuals in East Africa. His business empire stretches across multiple sectors, from real estate and education to hospitality, insurance, and agriculture.
Once celebrated as the first East African to appear on Forbes’ list of global billionaires, Dr. Ruparelia’s fortunes faced a major challenge in 2016 when the Bank of Uganda controversially took over Crane Bank, citing capital inadequacy and alleged mismanagement. After years of legal battles, the Supreme Court of Uganda ruled in his favor and restored control of the bank to him in 2022.
Despite that setback, Crane Bank represented only a small portion of his extensive business interests. Today, Sudhir’s influence is visible throughout Uganda, from luxury hotels and modern schools to high-end apartments and export-driven agribusiness ventures. He continues to build one of Africa’s most diverse and profitable private portfolios, employing thousands and contributing millions of dollars to the national economy each year.
1. Speke Group of Hotels
The Speke Group serves as the flagship of Ruparelia’s hospitality empire. It includes some of Uganda’s most luxurious hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments such as Kabira Country Club, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Hotel, Forest Cottages, and Dolphin Suites Bugolobi. These properties have become landmarks for both tourism and high-end business travel in Kampala.
2. Crane Management Services
Established in 1996, Crane Management Services handles property management and real estate consultancy for both Ruparelia Group assets and third-party clients. The company oversees residential, commercial, and industrial properties in major cities including Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Mbarara.
3. Premier Roses Limited
Based in Entebbe, Premier Roses is Uganda’s largest exporter of roses, commanding around 40 percent of the national flower export market. The company cultivates more than ten rose varieties on twelve hectares using hydroponic systems and supplies premium-quality flowers to Europe and other international markets.
4. Goldstar Insurance Company Limited
Goldstar Insurance ranks among Uganda’s leading insurance providers. It offers general insurance products to government agencies, corporations, and individuals. Its services cover industrial, commercial, and personal risk management.
5. Kampala International School Uganda (KISU)
Founded in 1993, Kampala International School Uganda offers a global curriculum for students aged two to eighteen. Located in Bukoto, the school has grown into one of Uganda’s premier international education institutions, featuring modern facilities and high academic standards.
6. Kampala Parents School
Acquired in 2004, Kampala Parents School is one of the most respected private primary schools in the country. Located in the Nakawa Division, it follows Uganda’s national curriculum and is recognized for producing top-performing pupils in national examinations.
7. Victoria University Kampala
Dr. Ruparelia acquired Victoria University in 2013 and has transformed it into one of Uganda’s fastest-growing private universities. The university offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in business, law, health sciences, and technology. It has also become a center for innovation and digital learning.
8. Premier Recruitment Limited
Premier Recruitment connects Ugandans with both local and international employment opportunities. The company focuses on sectors such as hospitality, oil and gas, marketing, construction, and security. It plays an important role in supporting youth employment and skills development.
9. Sanyu FM 88.2
Sanyu FM, one of Uganda’s first private radio stations, continues to dominate Kampala’s airwaves. Known for its urban and contemporary music, the station appeals to both young professionals and corporate audiences. It remains a vital part of the Ruparelia Group’s media and communications portfolio.
10. VCON Construction Uganda Limited
VCON Construction is a building and civil engineering company under the Ruparelia Group. It undertakes multi-million-dollar contracts for both government and private clients. The company focuses on modern and sustainable infrastructure development across Uganda.
From banking and real estate to education and media, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s enterprises have reshaped Uganda’s business landscape. His remarkable journey from a teenage exile during the Idi Amin era to one of Africa’s most influential billionaires continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs.
