Published on 24/07/2025
Uganda’s wealthiest businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has officially confirmed his attendance at the upcoming 8th Pan‑African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards 2025 and the organization’s 11th anniversary celebrations, slated for August 30, 2025, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
Dr. Sudhir not only confirmed his participation but also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Pan‑African ideals by contributing millions of shillings to the highly anticipated event through his Ruparelia Foundation.
The announcement was made by PAP founding Speaker and Chairman, Andrew Irumba Katusabe, who acknowledged the generous support. “He called me and gave me a huge push with some good millions and other privileges,” Irumba revealed.
Dr Ruparelia, a platinum-member of PAP, has backed the organization since its inception, supporting initiatives in education, debate, refugee welfare, and youth mentorship. Notably, he was honoured with the PAP Lifetime Achiever Award in 2024 for his commitment to business, youth empowerment, and pan‑African unity .
The 2025 awards are scheduled for August 30 at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, where Dr Ruparelia will attend as a Guest of Honour. His platinum-level sponsorship is expected to significantly enhance preparations, elevating the event’s profile and impact among Pan‑African leaders and communities.
Founded in 2014, the Pan‑African Pyramid (PAP) aims to rekindle Pan‑African unity and intellectual discourse across the continent via weekly debates, public dialogues, and humanitarian outreach. It has become a premier platform for policy makers, activists, youth, and thought-leaders, guided by the motto “Don’t Agonize, Organize”.
Launched in 2018, the PAP Global Awards recognise individuals and institutions that epitomize Pan‑African virtue—spanning activism, humanitarianism, economic leadership, and cultural innovation. Over its seven editions, the event has celebrated luminaries including President Museveni and Dr Ruparelia himself.
Dr Ruparelia’s philanthropic track record, through his Ruparelia Foundation and membership in the Kwagalana Group, extends far beyond PAP. His foundation has funded education, refugee support, women’s programs, and sustainable infrastructure, while the Kwagalana Group notably donated vehicles and aid during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Dr Sudhir’s continued support, as both benefactor and advocate, boosts the organization’s capacity to empower Africa’s youth, foster unity, and celebrate Afro‑centric excellence.
More about PAP Global Awards
The Global Pan-African Pyramid Awards (PAP Global Awards) were established in 2016 to recognize and honour Pan-Africanists who have made significant contributions in raising the African flag worldwide in various ways.
This year’s event, the 8th edition, will run under the theme ” ONE AFRICA, ONE PASSPORT(USA-UNITED STATES OF AFRICA) and is expected to attract various renowned Pan-Africanists from across the continent and the Diaspora.
According to Irumba, several guest from across the continent and beyond have already started booking their tickets to be part of the celebration and reflection on the legacy of our forefathers in the Pan African movement.
Since its inception, PAP Global Awards have acknowledged and awarded notable leaders and prominent Pan-Africanists globally. Some of the distinguished awardees include Cuba’s late President Fidel Alejandro Castro, Martin Luther King Jr., Ambassador Paul Flynn (renowned African environmental philanthropist), Bishop Joshua Maponga III Marara (internationally acclaimed Pan-Africanist and Bishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Zimbabwean), Hon. Thomas Tayebwa (Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda), Libya’s former President Col. Muammar Gaddafi, President Museveni, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia and Dr Waka Waka from China.
Other awardees include Winnie Mandela (South African anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the second wife of Nelson Mandela), Dr. John Garang de Mabior (Sudanese politician and revolutionary leader), Anita Annet Among (Ugandan politician and Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda), and Prof. Lekoa Solly Mollo (former South African ambassador to Uganda), among others.
