Sudhir Ruparelia Caps 2025 With Awards, Expansion & Philanthropy

By Frank Kamuntu

As 2025 draws to a close, businessman and investor Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has capped the year with a series of awards, strategic investments and philanthropic initiatives that underline his continued influence on Uganda’s business landscape.

Dr Ruparelia, 69, chairman of the Ruparelia Group, was among individuals recognised this year for contributions to tourism, real estate and investment. In October, he received a Golden Jubilee Medal during World Tourism Day celebrations in Arua, presented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, in recognition of his role in promoting wildlife conservation and tourism.

Through the Ruparelia Group, Dr Ruparelia owns several hospitality properties, including Speke Resort Munyonyo and Kabira Country Club, which have helped position Uganda as a destination for regional and international conferences and leisure tourism.

In September, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievers Award at the National Property Awards for his long-standing contribution to the real estate sector. A month later, he was named among Kampala’s Best Business Landlords of 2025, alongside other property owners, for what organisers described as fair rental practices and tenant-friendly management.

His influence was also acknowledged beyond Uganda, with recognition at the UK–Africa Business Summit for promoting diaspora-led investment.

During the year, the Ruparelia Group expanded its real estate portfolio with the acquisition of Lotis Towers, a 14-storey commercial building in Nakasero, for about $6 million. The property was later renamed Arie Towers in memory of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in May.

The acquisition adds to the group’s portfolio of hotels, office buildings and shopping complexes in Kampala and other parts of the country, sectors that employ thousands of Ugandans and contribute significantly to urban development and tax revenue.

Beyond business, Dr Ruparelia and his wife, Jyotsna, launched a scholarship programme at Victoria University in October, offering 100 full scholarships to high-performing students. The initiative, valued at about $1 million, is intended to support skills development and widen access to higher education.

Dr Ruparelia’s business journey dates back to his return to Uganda in 1985 after years in exile in the United Kingdom. Starting with small-scale trading and foreign exchange dealings, he later built interests spanning banking, real estate, hospitality, education and agriculture.

Analysts say his investments continue to play a role in supporting employment, tourism growth and private-sector-led development, particularly at a time when Uganda is navigating global economic uncertainty.

As the country heads into 2026, industry observers expect the Ruparelia Group to remain active in property development and investment, building on its established footprint in Uganda’s economy.