By Frank Kamuntu
The fake X (formerly Twitter) account that had been falsely impersonating Ugandan business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has finally been suspended, following weeks of public warnings, digital investigations, and widespread reporting by concerned users.
The fraudulent account, operating under the handle @RupareliaSudhi, had garnered over 48,000 followers by the time of its suspension. It was frequently misrepresenting Dr. Sudhir on political, social, and economic issues—often in language and tone starkly inconsistent with the city tycoon’s known public image.
In a statement released earlier this week, Dr. Sudhir had strongly disassociated himself from the account and issued a stern warning to the public: “I do not own or operate any account on X. Any communications or posts from that account should be disregarded as fraudulent and misleading.”
The account had gained notoriety in the wake of the tragic passing of Sudhir’s son, Rajiv Ruparelia, with posts pretending to be emotional or political reflections from the grieving father—sparking confusion and distress among followers and the business community.
Sudhir, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, also appealed to cybercrime authorities and platform administrators to take swift action, emphasizing that such impersonation could “mislead the public and cause reputational harm to established institutions.”
The suspension appears to be a direct result of widespread reporting from users and increased scrutiny by X’s moderation team.
Digital Threats On The Rise
This is not the first time Dr. Sudhir has been targeted by online fraudsters. In April 2025, a deepfake video emerged, falsely showing him endorsing a get-rich-quick cryptocurrency scheme, claiming individuals could earn millions by investing as little as Shs915,000. The video was widely circulated on WhatsApp and TikTok before being debunked.
Digital security experts continue to warn about the growing use of AI and social media manipulation to defame or exploit high-profile figures. Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has repeatedly advised influential individuals to pursue verification on social platforms and to educate the public about scams.
The suspension of the fake @RupareliaSudhi account is a win for digital integrity, but also a cautionary tale. As online impersonation becomes increasingly sophisticated, the public is urged to verify sources, avoid engaging with suspicious accounts, and report fake profiles immediately.
NOTE: As of now, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia maintains that he does not operate any official account on X (formerly Twitter).