In Uganda’s business world, few names stand out as much as Sudhir Ruparelia. As the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, he has built a large business empire that covers real estate, hotels, schools, media, and farming. His work has not only changed different industries but also helped shape Uganda’s economy. His life story is one of hard work, courage, and vision.
Sudhir Ruparelia was born in 1956 in Kabatoro, Kasese District, into a family from Uganda’s Indian community. His life took a sudden turn in 1972 when Idi Amin’s government expelled Asians from Uganda. His family moved to the United Kingdom, where he worked simple jobs in factories and supermarkets. Through saving carefully, he managed to collect about 25,000 US dollars. In 1985, he decided to return to Uganda, a move that would change his life completely.
When he came back, he started by importing beer and spirits from Kenya. Later, he opened Crane Forex Bureau in 1989, Uganda’s first licensed foreign exchange business. From there, his ventures grew rapidly. He started Crane Bank and then moved into real estate, schools, hotels, and farming. According to Pulse Uganda, his ability to recognize and act on opportunities helped him build one of East Africa’s biggest private business groups.
Today, the Ruparelia Group owns hundreds of properties in Kampala and other cities. It runs some of Uganda’s top hotels and resorts, as well as schools like Kampala Parents School and Delhi Public School International. The group also invests in flower farming, media, and insurance. Company records show that it employs thousands of Ugandans, making it a major source of jobs and a strong supporter of national growth.
Ruparelia’s achievements have earned him many awards. In 2024, the Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards gave him the Lifetime Achiever in Business Entrepreneurship Award for his influence on business in the region. In early 2025, President Yoweri Museveni honored him with the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) during the 39th NRM/A Victory Day. Later that year, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Business Forum in Kampala and was recognized by the National Property Awards for his impact on real estate. Reports by Daily Express and The Standard noted that he is now one of Uganda’s most celebrated business leaders.
Beyond business, Ruparelia gives back to society through the Ruparelia Foundation. The foundation supports education, healthcare, environmental protection, and community welfare. He believes that success should come with a sense of responsibility to help others, which has strengthened his reputation as a businessman who truly cares about people.
Sudhir Ruparelia’s journey shows the power of persistence and vision. From being forced into exile to becoming one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, his story is proof that resilience can lead to greatness. For Uganda, he stands as a symbol of how business can help build and inspire a nation.
