Tycoon Sudhir Honoured As Kampala’s Leading Business Landlord Of 2025

By Frank Kamuntu 

Kampala’s commercial property landscape is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation, and two of its biggest players, Sudhir Ruparelia and Haji Muhammad Matovu Yanga, are at the centre of that shift. The pair have been named among the Best Business Landlords of the Year 2025, a recognition that speaks not just to their individual achievements but to the rising expectations for professionalism and accountability in the city’s booming real estate market.

The award, presented by a consortium of urban development experts and tenant-welfare advocates, highlights a broader movement toward responsible property management in Kampala. Organizers say the accolade goes to landlords who demonstrate a deliberate commitment to safe, well-maintained, and accessible commercial spaces while nurturing constructive, respectful relationships with tenants. It is designed to promote higher standards across the sector as demand for quality business premises intensifies.

For Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, the recognition underscores his longstanding influence in shaping modern commercial real estate in Kampala. His diverse property empire—from office towers and shopping complexes to hotels and residential units—has defined much of the city’s skyline. Tenants describe his approach as transparent and business-friendly, with predictable rental terms and strong reinvestment in repairs, renovations, and facility upgrades. During economic downturns, Sudhir has also been widely commended for supporting small traders and sustaining conducive business environments.

Haji Matovu Yanga, a downtown powerhouse whose arcades support thousands of micro and small enterprises, is also celebrated for championing functional, secure, and orderly trading spaces. His properties, including Yanga Plaza and Yanga Mall, are known for organized management systems, improved sanitation, and enhanced security. Traders say his responsiveness to tenant issues and consistent provision of affordable commercial space reflect rare discipline in a congested and highly competitive real estate terrain.

Urban analysts note that the recognition of the two tycoons arrives at a time when Kampala is grappling with rapid expansion, rising rental demand, and calls for more predictable landlord–tenant relations. The award aims to promote a culture where landlords reinvest in property upkeep, embrace transparency, and prioritize safety—principles often lacking in the city’s older commercial centres.

The achievements of Sudhir and Yanga, both commanding major influence in Kampala’s property economy, signal a shift toward more professionalized real estate practices. Their recognition is also expected to inspire other landlords to upgrade their facilities, respond faster to tenant needs, and adopt internationally accepted management standards.

The two moguls will receive their awards later this month at a ceremony expected to bring together city leaders, real estate professionals, and business owners. The event will celebrate not only their impact but the growing momentum toward a more organized and tenant-friendly commercial real estate market in Uganda’s capital.