Published on 24/01/2025
Ugandan billionaire and businessman, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia and his daughter Sheenah Ruparelia are set to be honoured by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for exceptional efforts towards the success of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits held in Uganda last year.
The business, also the chairman of the Ruparelia Group of Companies which owns a trio of Speke Resort Munyonyo, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort and Speke Resort Convention Centre, played a pivotal role in hosting these high-profile summits, which brought together global leaders and key international stakeholders.
Sudhir, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, spearheaded the construction of the Speke Convention Centre at Munyonyo, a monumental project that proved crucial in ensuring Uganda’s readiness to host the summits.
The facilities, well known for their world-class amenities and strategic location, were deemed ideal for the successful hosting of these major diplomatic events.
Sheena Ruparelia, who supervised the construction of the convention center, is lauded for her dedication and meticulous oversight of the project. Her leadership ensured that the facility met the highest standards, earning admiration from international delegates.
Whereas many world leaders reportedly marvelled at the efficiency and quality of the project, with some speculating that it had been undertaken by foreign contractors, President Museveni proudly clarified that the Speke Convention Centre was constructed by a local firm owned by Sudhir Ruparelia, a testament to Uganda’s homegrown talent and resourcefulness.
As reward for his unending contributions to the country’s development, the President will honour Sudhir, his daughter Sheena with liberation medals during the national celebrations that will take place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at National Teacher’s College in Mubende District.
This year’s anniversary of the NRA bush war victory is celebrated under the theme: 39 Years of NRM/A: Salutations to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland.
The NRM Liberation Award highlights the businessman’s commitment to national development and his significant role in positioning Uganda as a premier destination for hosting international conferences and summits.
Located within the expansive Speke Resort in Munyonyo, the convention center has since become a symbol of Uganda’s potential to compete on the global stage. Its modern amenities and capacity to accommodate thousands of guests have elevated Uganda’s status as a destination for international conferences and events.
In 2013, President Museveni awarded Sudhir a medal in recognition of his contribution as an industrialist for contributing to the growth of business and industry in Uganda.
The 69-year-old who is listed by Forbes magazine among the richest people in Africa with a net of over US$1.2 billion runs an empire that includes interests in banking, insurance, education, media, hospitality, property development, and floriculture.
