Indian community in Uganda honours Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s business excellence

12 February 2025, 2:32 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The richest businessman in Uganda, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has been honoured for his extraordinary contributions to business, which have enabled many Ugandans and non-Ugandans to secure employment. The ceremony took place at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala and was attended by various investors, entrepreneurs, and other notable figures.

The event was held under the theme “Fostering Investment and Economic Growth Through Business Partnerships” and was organised by several leaders of the Indian business community in Uganda, in partnership with key private sector stakeholders. The aim was to strengthen the relationship between Indian and Ugandan entrepreneurs and explore opportunities for sustainable development.

The Minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, who presided over the event, commended Dr. Sudhir and the Indian community for their outstanding commitment to Uganda’s economic development. The minister highlighted the importance of foreign investment in job creation and praised Indian investors for their continued investment in Uganda. “Thank you very much, Indian Business Forum leadership, for your efforts in facilitating investment in the country. I thank all Indian investors for choosing Uganda as their investment destination and for creating jobs for our citizens,” she said.

In his speech, Dr. Sudhir expressed his gratitude for being honoured. He acknowledged the Indian business community’s historic role in Uganda’s economic landscape and emphasised the need for continued investment and innovation. Beyond celebrating business success, the forum also provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and policy discussions aimed at improving Uganda’s business environment. Dr. Sudhir also used the gathering to extend his condolences on the passing of the late Aga Khan, offering heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, expressed his appreciation for the Indian community. “I officiated at the 10th anniversary of the Indian Business Forum in Kampala last evening. The Indian community has a keen eye for business, and their entrepreneurial spirit has played a significant role in transforming our economy,” he said.

Tayebwa further noted that the forum has played a vital role in the country’s development. “Their ingenuity was evident when they became the first to turn water into a packaged, saleable product in Uganda—an innovation no one had previously imagined. Their creativity has inspired Ugandans to adapt, innovate, and develop various products. Investment by the Indian community has contributed to vital sectors, providing Ugandans with access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, safe drinking water, and electricity, among other essential services. The relationship between India and Uganda is built on deep people-to-people connections. As I often say, Indians are Ugandans, and Ugandans are Indians,” Tayebwa remarked.

“As Uganda strives to achieve tenfold economic growth, I encourage the Indian business community to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology—areas crucial to realising this ambitious goal. With India now the world’s most populous country, I also challenge them to promote Uganda as a prime destination for Indian tourists and to encourage more Indian investors to establish industries in Uganda,” he concluded.