From Refugee To Entrepreneur: Dr Sudhir Reveals How He Built A Life In London, Met Wife, And Returned To Develop Uganda

By Frank Kamuntu

Long before he became one of East Africa’s most successful businessmen, Sudhir Ruparelia was a teenage refugee arriving in the United Kingdom with little certainty about what the future would hold.

During a candid conversation at Crane Chambers, the Ruparelia Group Chairman detailed the struggles, sacrifices and determination that defined his years in Britain following the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda.

Ruparelia arrived in England in the early hours of November 6, 1972. Upon arrival, he was taken to a refugee reception camp operated under the British government’s resettlement arrangements.

The following day, after breakfast and receiving basic provisions, he travelled to London to stay with relatives.

Life was far from easy.

He recalled living in a modest two-bedroom house shared by seven people, reflecting the challenges faced by many Ugandan Asian families rebuilding their lives in Britain.

Eventually, he reunited with his parents, who had been accommodated through local council housing arrangements. However, he soon began exploring opportunities elsewhere.

His search for work and stability took him through several towns including Birmingham, Manchester, Stockport and other industrial centres.

One memorable episode occurred when he and his uncle travelled to meet a man who had promised to help them secure employment at Ford Motor Company.

After arriving at the man’s house only to discover he was absent, the pair waited for hours before spending the night outdoors using cardboard boxes for shelter.

The following morning, they were still there when the postman and milkman arrived. The man eventually returned and apologised, explaining he had not known they were coming.

Despite the effort, employment at Ford proved elusive due to union policies that prioritised relatives of existing workers and because Ruparelia was still under 18.

Undeterred, he found work in a factory performing physically demanding tasks. One job involved working beneath machinery that coated laboratory test tubes with hot wax before markings could be applied.

Seeking opportunities for advancement, he later applied to join the Royal Air Force. He successfully passed the required tests and saw military service as a pathway to education and professional development.

However, because he was underage, parental consent was required.

His mother refused.

Having witnessed military realities in Uganda, she did not want her son entering armed service, effectively ending that ambition.

Ruparelia subsequently returned to London, rented a small one-bedroom apartment and continued working while pursuing his education.

He worked in supermarkets stocking shelves, cleaning and assisting in bakery operations. He earned approximately £15 per week while studying during the day and working nights.

To supplement his income, he also drove taxis during weekends.

According to Ruparelia, he often spent nearly entire weekends behind the wheel, working from Friday night through Sunday night. The demanding schedule enabled him to save money steadily.

Through disciplined saving, he accumulated approximately £6,000 and purchased his first house in 1976 at the age of just 20.

The property cost £15,250. He made a substantial down payment and secured a mortgage for the remainder.

The purchase became the foundation of a growing property portfolio that later expanded to include a second, third and fourth house.

It was also during this period that he met the woman who would become his wife.

Their story began unexpectedly on the upper deck of a London bus.

Travelling with a cousin to attend a wedding, Ruparelia noticed two young women standing nearby. His cousin recognised them from a supermarket where they worked.

Determined to get to know them, Ruparelia joined the supermarket workforce on weekends. There he met the woman who would later become his wife.

She worked as a cashier while studying.

Their relationship faced initial resistance from her family, who reportedly hoped their daughter would marry a lawyer, accountant or banker rather than a taxi driver.

Nevertheless, she remained steadfast in her decision.

According to Ruparelia, her support proved invaluable, especially during the years when he was investing in property and building financial security.

The couple married in London in 1977.

Years later, discussions about starting a family became increasingly important. Ruparelia admitted that he initially hesitated because of concerns about the responsibilities and costs associated with raising children and providing quality education.

Eventually, the couple expanded their family and later welcomed three children: Meera, Sheena and Rajiv.

In 1985, despite enjoying a stable life in Britain, Ruparelia made a decision that surprised many people.

He chose to return to Uganda.

“Africa is either in your blood or it is not in your blood,” he explained.

Encouraged by relatives who spoke of emerging opportunities back home, he travelled first to Nairobi before arriving in Uganda in early 1985.

He came alone initially while his wife remained in Britain.

The move marked the beginning of another transformational chapter. Shortly after returning, he entered business, initially trading in salt before gradually expanding into sectors that would eventually form the foundation of the Ruparelia Group.

His first house in Uganda was acquired in 1991, symbolising his renewed commitment to a country he had never stopped considering home.