In Uganda’s dynamic business landscape, the Ruparelia name has long stood as a towering symbol of entrepreneurial excellence and generational success.
Founded by billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia, the Ruparelia Group has grown into a formidable empire with interests spanning real estate, banking, education, hospitality, insurance, floriculture, and more.
However, as the group matures, questions about succession and leadership within the family have taken center stage—particularly following a recent post by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga on X (formerly Twitter), emphasising the importance of grooming the right heirs in family businesses.
Mr. Mayiga urged business owners to nurture their children into responsible managers but warned against handing over control to those who lack the fundamentals of running an enterprise.
“If they exhibit leadership qualities, hire them and let their own abilities enable them to rise through the ranks,” he noted. “And if they lack requisite fundamentals… keep them away; it’s wiser to support them into other areas of their interest or ability.”
This thought-provoking message has sparked conversations around Uganda’s most prominent family-owned businesses—and the Ruparelia Group has not been exempt from such scrutiny.
Specifically, recent developments within the group have led to growing speculation about a potential leadership shift: Is Sheena Ruparelia, the daughter of Sudhir, taking on a more dominant role in the empire, perhaps even replacing her brother, Rajiv, as the de facto torchbearer?
Rajiv Ruparelia has served as the Managing Director of the group since 2017 and is widely credited with streamlining operations across the company’s 28 subsidiaries.
Young, energetic, and business-savvy, Rajiv became the public face of the conglomerate, especially during the group’s aggressive real estate expansion in Kampala and beyond.
However, his recent absence from local business engagements and public events has not gone unnoticed.
Though Rajiv has been spotted at family functions, including Christmas festivities with his parents, his presence in Uganda’s corporate circles has noticeably waned.
Sources close to the family suggest he is currently overseeing overseas operations, particularly projects in England, a move that has raised questions about the extent of his involvement in the group’s local affairs.
In contrast, Sheena Ruparelia has emerged with quiet but commanding authority, especially within the group’s hospitality and real estate divisions. Known for her reserved demeanour but diligent work ethic, Sheena has been pivotal in delivering flagship projects such as the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo.
Her work earned national acclaim when President Yoweri Museveni awarded her a medal for her leadership in hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits in early 2025.
The 56,000-square-meter Speke Resort Convention Centre, featuring a 4,400-seater auditorium and a floating restaurant, was completed under Sheena’s stewardship. The facility has elevated Uganda’s profile as a regional hub for international conferences.
The President’s gesture of gifting Sheena cows in appreciation for her contribution added to the public perception that she is rising rapidly within the family business.
Sheena’s growing visibility is not limited to real estate. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, she has also championed philanthropic causes ranging from education and health to clean water and orphanage support.
While her humanitarian efforts may be less publicized than her corporate achievements, they reflect a well-rounded leadership style aligned with the values that have long defined the Ruparelia brand.
Despite the growing chatter, there is no formal indication that Sheena has replaced Rajiv in any executive capacity. Rajiv remains the Managing Director, a position reaffirmed during the NRM Liberation Day celebrations where President Museveni publicly praised his economic contributions.
Their roles, while distinct, are complementary. Rajiv continues to guide the overall strategic direction of the conglomerate, while Sheena delivers precision and excellence in key projects.
Indeed, both siblings have previously collaborated on high-profile developments, including Bukoto Living, a modern residential complex in Kampala that has redefined urban apartment living. Their combined efforts have contributed to the group’s solid reputation as one of the most influential private enterprises in the region.
The speculation around succession is perhaps inevitable in any large family business, especially when siblings are involved in visible leadership roles. However, for now, the Ruparelia Group appears to be benefiting from the strengths of both Rajiv and Sheena, rather than undergoing any internal transition.
While whispers of a power shift persist on social media and among business commentators, they remain just that—whispers. In the absence of formal announcements or changes in designation, the leadership structure within the Ruparelia empire remains intact. If anything, these developments highlight a carefully managed succession process where competence, not sentiment, seems to be the guiding principle.
Sudhir Ruparelia, widely respected for his strategic acumen, appears to be preparing the next generation with foresight and discipline.
Whether Rajiv continues to lead from the top or Sheena takes on more executive functions in the future, one thing is clear—the Ruparelia Group remains in capable, family-driven hands.
