Published on 04/09/2025
Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has hailed business tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia for his unwavering commitment to reinvesting in Uganda and driving transformative projects that shape the country’s future.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mwenda praised Sudhir’s latest milestone—the RR Pearl Business Park, a 22-storey commercial tower erected on the former site of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence headquarters.
“My grandson Sudhir Ruparelia has done it again,” Mwenda proudly posted.
He went on to add: “This new 22-story office block complex is a classic case of beautiful architecture and great engineering. A true Ugandan, he invests 99% of his money in this country, unlike many who suck it out.”
According to Mwenda, the building is more than an architectural marvel. It stands as a symbol of vision, resilience, and patriotism in an environment where much local capital is often exported abroad. Sudhir’s choice to keep nearly all his investments within Uganda, he argues, demonstrates rare confidence in the nation’s long-term prospects.
The journalist’s affection for Sudhir is evident in the way he refers to him—as his “grandson, son, brother, friend, and mentor.” This blend of humor and admiration reflects their bond, one that has endured even during difficult periods such as the protracted legal battle between Crane Bank and the Bank of Uganda. When the Supreme Court eventually ruled in Sudhir’s favor, Mwenda described the verdict as a victory for integrity and perseverance in business.
The RR Pearl Business Park is only the latest in a series of landmark projects under Sudhir’s leadership. In December 2023, he delivered a 3,800-seater convention centre at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort within a single year, despite the global economic turbulence caused by COVID-19. Featuring 16 breakout rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, the project positioned Uganda as a credible hub for major international conferences. Overcome with emotion at its completion, Mwenda embraced Sudhir in a widely shared video and declared: “Against all odds, Sudhir has achieved the impossible.”
Beyond real estate and hospitality, Sudhir channels resources through the Ruparelia Foundation into education, health, and community programs. Institutions such as Kampala Parents School, Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), and Victoria University have educated thousands of Ugandan students, equipping them with skills to thrive globally.
“Sudhir isn’t just investing in structures; he is investing in people, in ideas, and in the future of Uganda,” Mwenda later remarked in private conversations.
From high-rise towers to schools and community initiatives, Sudhir’s projects generate employment, strengthen local industries, and inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs. Mwenda often recalls lighter memories—from chauffeured rides to family moments—that reinforce the friendship underpinning his admiration.
As Kampala’s skyline evolves, Mwenda insists Sudhir’s legacy is defined not merely by concrete and glass but by the vision those projects embody.
“He’s not just building structures,” Mwenda reflected. “He’s building Uganda’s tomorrow.”
Through these public endorsements, Mwenda frames Sudhir’s life’s work as more than entrepreneurial success—it is a national story of reinvestment, resilience, and a belief that Uganda’s future can be built one bold project at a time.
