Sudhir Ruparelia Headlines FCCU’s First Anniversary Celebration at Kabira Country Club

By Frank Kamuntu

Uganda’s leading businessman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, was the Guest of Honor at the “Meet the CEO” event hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU) on September 24 at Kabira Country Club. The evening doubled as a celebration of the chamber’s first anniversary in Uganda, drawing together business leaders, diplomats, and investors to reflect on a year of fostering collaboration between French and Ugandan enterprises.

The FCCU used the milestone to highlight its progress in building bridges between the two business communities. But the spotlight of the night was firmly on Dr. Ruparelia, whose entrepreneurial story has become a symbol of determination and success across the region.

In his keynote address, Uganda’s wealthiest businessman traced his journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-sector empire that now spans real estate, education, hospitality, and finance. He emphasized resilience, strategic risk-taking, and a long-term vision as the keys to his success — a message that resonated deeply with the audience. His businesses not only employ thousands but also contribute significantly to Uganda’s tax base, making him one of the country’s most consistent top taxpayers.

FCCU Vice President Jean-Philippe Bittencourt praised Dr. Ruparelia for supporting initiatives that encourage cross-border collaboration. “Having role models like Dr. Ruparelia is critical for inspiring both French and Ugandan entrepreneurs to aim higher,” he said, commending the chamber’s rapid growth and promising more opportunities for trade partnerships.

French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Véronique Leroy, also addressed the gathering, urging businesses to “make good noise” about Uganda’s growing opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment. She highlighted Uganda’s strategic position as an emerging investment hub in East Africa and called for stronger engagement from European companies exploring African markets.

The choice of Kabira Country Club — part of the Ruparelia Group — as the venue was fitting, reflecting the group’s commitment to providing world-class facilities in Uganda. The setting also underscored Dr. Ruparelia’s influence in the country’s business ecosystem.

Beyond the celebrations, the event reinforced FCCU’s mission to connect businesses of all sizes, promote trade, and share expertise across borders. Attendees agreed that the active participation of high-profile business figures like Dr. Ruparelia lends credibility and momentum to such initiatives.

For many, the highlight of the evening was hearing directly from a man whose story represents both perseverance and possibility. As Uganda positions itself as a regional investment magnet, partnerships between local giants like the Ruparelia Group and international networks such as the FCCU are expected to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Though the FCCU is just one year old, its presence is already making waves in Uganda’s business community — and with voices like Sudhir Ruparelia’s championing resilience and vision, its influence is set to grow even stronger.