Published on 30/03/2025
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s wealthiest man and one of the nation’s top taxpayers, has shared insights into what defines true success, extending beyond merely making money.
As the chairman of the Ruparelia Group and Head of the Nepal Embassy in Uganda, Ruparelia’s journey from a taxi driver to one of Africa’s top 100 billionaires is both inspiring and deeply personal. Yet, despite his prominence, he rarely appears in public forums to discuss his rise to wealth.
As the owner of vast real estate holdings and a portfolio of successful businesses under the Ruparelia Group, Sudhir’s ventures span across Africa, Asia, and Europe, covering sectors such as real estate, education, finance, agriculture, and hospitality. His financial success is undeniable, but during a recent exclusive webinar with Billionaire Tomorrow, Ruparelia revealed that success, to him, is much more than financial gain.
“This is how I define success. My success is when I see that I started a project, I created employment for people, and at the same time, the people who are using my establishments are also making money from it. That is my success,” he explained.
“People who are with you must make money. You should not make money alone,” the billionaire added.
Over three decades ago, Sudhir began his entrepreneurial journey in Kampala after using his savings as a taxi driver in the UK to start a business in Uganda. Today, the Ruparelia family’s business interests span multiple sectors, including hospitality, education, real estate, finance, insurance, labor export, and agriculture.
Companies Under Ruparelia Group
The Ruparelia Group is predominantly involved in sectors such as education, real estate development and management, hotels, resorts, floriculture, and broadcasting. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the Group’s founder and chairman, is the majority shareholder in many of these companies.
In November 2012, Forbes estimated his net worth at US $1 billion, positioning him as Uganda’s wealthiest man at the time. As of December 2020, the Ruparelia Group’s portfolio included but was not limited to:
- Crane Management Services Limited – Kampala
- Delhi Public International School – Naguru, Kampala
- Goldstar Insurance Company Limited – Kampala
- Kabira Country Club – Bukoto, Kampala
- Kampala International School Uganda
- Kampala Parents’ School
- Kampala Speke Hotel – Kampala
- Meera Investments Limited – Kampala
- Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort – Munyonyo
- Premier Roses Limited – Entebbe
- Rosebud Limited – Entebbe
- Sanyu FM 88.2 – Kampala
- Speke Apartments Limited – Kampala
- Speke Resort and Conference Center – Munyonyo, Kampala
- Tourist Hotel – Kampala
- Victoria University Uganda – Kampala
The Ruparelia Group also has commercial and real estate interests in Rwanda, South Sudan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
