Sudhir’s Vision Floats High: How Locally Built Barge Strengthens Paradise Resort & Creates Jobs

By Frank Kamuntu

In a landmark move that fuses luxury tourism with local industrial growth, East Africa’s celebrated billionaire Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has unveiled a state-of-the-art barge built entirely in Jinja, Uganda by Ugandan artisans. This floating powerhouse is designed to transport supplies, goods and equipment to and from his ultra-modern Paradise Resort, the sparkling jewel set on Lake Victoria’s tranquil waters.

Unlike imported vessels, this barge is a 100% Ugandan creation—fabricated at a boatyard in Jinja by skilled local engineers and craftsmen. According to Dr. Sudhir, the decision to source locally was deliberate: a tangible demonstration of his commitment to the ‘Buy Uganda, Build Uganda’ campaign and to the empowerment of Ugandan talent. “I ordered from our manufacturers in Jinja to support local creatives,” he told TheSpy. “This vessel is not just a carrier of goods—it is a conduit of prosperity, linking our Paradise with the mainland, sustaining livelihoods, and fortifying Uganda’s place on the global tourism map.”

The 12-hour journey from Jinja to the resort marked more than a maiden voyage; it symbolised new opportunities. By commissioning the barge at home, the Ruparelia Group injected capital, skills training and employment directly into the Ugandan economy. Dozens of youth gained hands-on experience in advanced boatbuilding techniques, increasing their incomes and sharpening competencies that will ripple into future marine and engineering projects.

The barge itself is a robust, flat-bottomed workhorse built for stability and capacity, capable of ferrying everything from construction materials and gourmet delicacies to fuel and luxury imports. Its design integrates environmental safeguards to preserve Lake Victoria’s delicate ecosystem even as it boosts logistical capacity. For Paradise Resort—a remote sanctuary without road access—the barge is now the operational lifeline ensuring seamless service regardless of season or tide.

Paradise Resort, unveiled in late 2025, is already redefining Ugandan tourism. With over-water villas, infinity pools and eco-conscious landscaping rivaling Maldives or Mauritius, it stands as a testament to the late Rajiv Ruparelia’s vision for a modernized hospitality sector. The barge’s launch not only secures the resort’s supply chain but also keeps Rajiv’s dream of accessible luxury on Lake Victoria vibrantly alive.

This initiative signals a broader shift: Ugandan tourism infrastructure powered by Ugandan industry. Each local contract like this multiplies benefits—job creation, technology transfer, and national pride. It shows that high-end tourism need not rely on imported solutions; homegrown expertise can deliver world-class outcomes.

With this first locally built barge now in service, Paradise Resort cements its reputation as “Uganda’s Monaco on water”—and Sudhir Ruparelia once again proves that business ingenuity and patriotic investment can sail hand-in-hand.