By Ben Ssebuguzi
Every country, blessed like Uganda, deserves to have a visionary business leader like Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia of the Ruparelia Group—creative, innovative, and determined to create jobs and economic value that drive growth.
The opening of RR Pearl Tower One, located on Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala’s central business district, underscores Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s determination to demonstrate how one of the country’s greatest resources, its land, can be leveraged to create prosperity and opportunities.
The tower, named in memory of his late son Rajiv Ruparelia, who tragically passed away in a motor accident, not only depicts beauty that meets luxury but also promotes world-class architectural designs that Rajiv cherished. Projects such as Boulevard and Kingdom Kampala, which transformed the city’s skyline in record time, are part of this enduring legacy. May his soul rest in peace.
This reminds us why every country needs an innovative risk-taker with strong business acumen such as Sudhir. When President Museveni required someone who could sacrifice resources at short notice to host the NAM delegates’ conference with perfection and glamour, Sudhir was the trusted choice.
Elsewhere on the continent, countries like Nigeria, with leaders such as Aliko Dangote, have ascended to economic powerhouses. Dangote’s mega investments in cement and oil have propelled Nigeria to become Africa’s fourth-largest economy as of 2025.
Uganda, too, can leverage such extraordinary business leaders by putting in place favorable policies that motivate them. Dr. Sudhir’s ventures into commercial agriculture, hospitality, education, and real estate are possible because political leaders give him space to exercise his imagination for national development. Citizens, too, must extend moral support rather than criticism when government institutions utilize his facilities, because his contributions are part of Uganda’s ambitious journey toward a USD 500 billion economy by 2040.
Great cities such as New York and Dubai were built by visionary individuals who identified and capitalized on resources to transform their economies. Uganda is no exception.
Visionary business leaders thrive in environments of peace and stability. The NRM government under President Museveni has ensured this, laying the foundation for transformation. Dr. Sudhir’s success stands as a living testimony, recognized not only in Uganda but globally.
International research firm Public Opinion ranked Sudhir and President Museveni among the 15 most admired leaders, while in 2024/25 he was inducted into the Uganda Development Champion Journal for his pivotal role in national progress.
The writer is the Head of Research at Office of the National Chairman (ONC)
