RUPARELIA’S BUSINESS FORMULA: PASSION, DISCIPLINE, PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AND TAX COMPLIANCE

By Frank Kamuntu

Ruparelia Group Chairman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has highlighted the contribution of Ugandan entrepreneurs of Asian origin to the country’s economy, saying their investments are creating jobs, expanding industries and generating billions of shillings in tax revenue.

Ruparelia, speaking during a discussion at Crane Chambers, said his business empire alone employs more than 10,000 Ugandans across sectors including real estate, hospitality, education, floriculture and leisure.

“I’m employing over ten thousand people,” Ruparelia said, arguing that businesses owned by Ugandans of Asian origin should be viewed as contributors to economic development rather than competitors for employment opportunities.

He said the Asian community in Uganda, despite being relatively small compared to the country’s estimated population of about 50 million people, has made significant investments in manufacturing, hospitality, real estate and other sectors.

Ruparelia also disclosed the scale of taxes paid by companies within his business empire, describing tax compliance as both a legal obligation and a responsibility to the country.

“As a citizen of the country, it is my obligation to pay taxes,” he said.

According to Ruparelia, one of the companies under the group pays about Shs2.5 billion in VAT every month, translating into approximately Shs30 billion annually, while its corporation tax contribution is also estimated at about Shs30 billion per year.

He further said his businesses in the real estate sector contribute more than Shs12 billion in taxes, in addition to between Shs9 billion and Shs10 billion in VAT obligations.

Beyond corporation tax and VAT, Ruparelia said his businesses also remit withholding taxes, employee-related statutory deductions and other government charges.

He attributed the ability to manage such a diversified business empire to strong financial controls, professional management and clearly defined responsibilities.

Ruparelia said each business under the group operates with dedicated management and accounting structures, allowing professionals to concentrate on their specific areas of responsibility.

He cited education as an example, saying school administrators should concentrate on delivering quality education while specialised finance teams handle accounting, budgeting and financial controls.

The businessman also credited Uganda’s economic transformation over the years, pointing to improved infrastructure, increased industrialisation, rising property values and the growth of local manufacturing.

He said the increasing number of locally manufactured products on supermarket shelves is evidence that Uganda’s industrial base is expanding.

Ruparelia also reflected on his own business journey, saying passion, discipline and proper management have been central to his success.

He said he prefers investing in sectors that genuinely interest him because passion helps entrepreneurs remain committed to their businesses.

At 70, Ruparelia said he maintains a relatively simple lifestyle and remains actively involved in his businesses. He also serves as Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Uganda, where he supports Nepali citizens and promotes relations between Uganda and Nepal.

The discussion also touched on the legacy of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, whose death left a significant impact on Uganda’s business community.

Ruparelia described Rajiv as an influential young entrepreneur whose achievements continue to inspire people despite his relatively short life.

The remarks come ahead of a planned commemoration of Rajiv’s life and legacy on August 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, organised by Pan African Pyramid.

Ruparelia’s remarks ultimately placed emphasis on the wider role of private enterprise in Uganda’s development, with employment, tax contribution, investment and industrialisation emerging as key indicators of the private sector’s economic impact.