London, UK: Ugandan billionaire and real estate magnate Sudhir Ruparelia has once again positioned Uganda on the global investment map, delivering a powerful message at the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade and Investment Summit in London.
Speaking on the sidelines of the high-level gathering, Sudhir, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, urged international investors to take advantage of Uganda’s booming real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism sectors, describing them as engines of sustainable growth for the country’s economy.
“Together with my family, we’ve invested wholeheartedly in Uganda, our beloved home,” he told delegates. “The real estate sector remains vibrant, and agriculture presents countless opportunities. Hospitality and tourism are thriving, let’s seize the moment and channel our energy into uplifting our country’s economy.”
The summit, held at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, brought together over 300 leaders including ministers, CEOs, and World Bank officials. Discussions focused on deepening UK–Africa trade relations in the post-Brexit era, with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) providing the framework for expansion into a market of 1.4 billion consumers.
Uganda’s delegation was led by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, who showcased investment opportunities in energy, agriculture, and technology.
Sudhir’s presence was a highlight of the forum with a personal net worth estimated between USD 1.2–1.6 billion, he shared his remarkable journey of resilience, from exile during Idi Amin’s regime and working as a taxi driver in the UK, to returning in the 1980s to establish the Ruparelia Group.
What began as a forex bureau has grown into one of Uganda’s largest conglomerates, spanning over 300 real estate properties, including the recently launched RR Pearl Business Park, plus hotels, resorts, schools, insurance firms, and floriculture ventures.
The Group is today one of the country’s largest private employers, creating thousands of jobs and driving revenue generation across multiple sectors. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, the business empire has also made significant contributions to philanthropy, supporting health, education, and community development projects.
Sudhir’s call comes at a time when Uganda is posting steady economic performance, with GDP growth at 6.3 percent, inflation at 3.8 percent, and foreign direct investment flows of USD 3.7 billion. He stressed that international investors stand to benefit from Uganda’s stability, resource base, and strategic location in East Africa.
“Uganda is open for business,” Sudhir said. “Our people are resilient, our economy is growing, and the opportunities, especially in oil, agritech, tourism, and real estate—are immense.”
The summit also explored digital trade and infrastructure financing, with several UK–Uganda partnerships expected to emerge. For many delegates, Sudhir’s story of rebuilding from exile to becoming one of Africa’s most prominent investors served as a testament to Uganda’s potential as both a destination and driver of inclusive development on the continent.
