Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia Named Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General

By Frank Kamuntu

Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the Honorary Consul General of Nepal to Uganda, has been voted the Best Honorary Consul General in Uganda following a nationwide three-month survey recognizing top-performing diplomats.

The recognition celebrates his outstanding work in promoting trade, tourism, and investment between Uganda and Nepal, along with his continued contribution to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.

According to the survey, Ugandans commended Dr. Ruparelia for creating meaningful trade connections between the two countries and for facilitating employment opportunities for Ugandans in Nepal. Many described him as “a bridge between nations” whose work has opened doors for business cooperation while inspiring local entrepreneurs.

Appointed by the President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, in February 2020, Dr. Ruparelia officially presented his credentials to then Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Sam Kutesa on March 17, 2020. This marked the establishment of Nepal’s first consulate in Uganda, located at Crane Chambers in Kampala, which has since become a hub for Nepalese-Ugandan diplomacy and investment.

Over the past five years, Dr. Ruparelia has strengthened bilateral relations through trade, cultural exchange, and community outreach. One of his most notable achievements was hosting the Nepal Constitution Day celebrations in Kampala, where Ugandans and Nepalese nationals came together to celebrate friendship and shared values.

In September 2025, he hosted a colorful Constitution Day event that symbolized unity between the two nations, featuring cultural performances, speeches, and a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony that reflected harmony and mutual respect.

Beyond diplomacy, Dr. Ruparelia continues to invest in education and youth empowerment. He recently launched a scholarship program connecting Ugandan and Nepali students, offering them opportunities to study abroad and gain global exposure. Through such initiatives, he is nurturing the next generation of leaders who will strengthen Uganda–Nepal relations in the years ahead.

As a leading businessman, Dr. Ruparelia is the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, one of East Africa’s largest privately owned conglomerates with investments spanning real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, media, and finance. His portfolio includes Speke Resort Munyonyo, Crane Management Services, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, Premier Roses, Sanyu FM, and Goldstar Insurance.

His leadership and innovation have shaped Uganda’s private sector and contributed significantly to employment and GDP growth. In 2019, he was recognized by Public Opinions International as a Certified Uganda Development Champion for advancing the Uganda Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Ruparelia’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience. Born in Kabatoro, Kasese District, he fled to the United Kingdom in 1972 during the expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin. Returning to Uganda in 1985 with only US$25,000, he started a small business importing spirits and beer before founding Crane Forex Bureau, the country’s first licensed forex bureau. Today, he is one of Africa’s wealthiest businessmen, with a net worth estimated at US$4 billion.

His success continues to inspire Ugandans and global investors alike. Through his diplomatic and business pursuits, he has brought Uganda and Nepal closer in trade, education, and cultural understanding. In recognition of his remarkable service, Dr. Ruparelia has been featured in the 2025 Uganda Development Champions Journal, an annual publication honoring leaders driving national development.

Public Opinions International, which conducted the survey, praised his integrity, leadership, and patriotism, noting that his ability to combine diplomacy, business, and philanthropy makes him a model of modern leadership.

Dr. Ruparelia expressed gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to deepening relations between Uganda and Nepal. “This recognition belongs to both countries. I will continue to promote investment, education, and cultural understanding between our people,” he said.

His recognition as Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his tireless dedication to diplomacy, business growth, and national progress. Through his work and vision, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia continues to strengthen Uganda’s image as a destination for investment, innovation, and international cooperation.