Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has officially entered the country’s retail sector with the launch of Crane Shoppers Ltd, repurposing one of his former Crane Bank properties into a modern supermarket.
The move signals a strategic diversification for the billionaire, whose empire spans real estate, hospitality, education, finance, and media.
Images circulating on social media this week show the iconic red-and-white Crane Bank building undergoing renovations, now featuring fresh signage for Crane Shoppers Ltd. Located near a busy TotalEnergies station in Kampala, the outlet is expected to cater to urban consumers seeking a homegrown alternative to foreign chains such as Carrefour. Analysts suggest this may be the first in a chain of supermarkets leveraging Ruparelia’s extensive real estate holdings.
“This restructuring exemplifies Ruparelia’s shrewdness,” said business analyst Jane Nambi. “From forex to finance, hospitality, and now retail, he has consistently adapted. Retail will not only expand his empire but also create hundreds of jobs in urban centers.”
The supermarket conversion follows a lengthy legal battle over Crane Bank. Founded in 1995 with just US$1 million, Crane Bank was seized by the Bank of Uganda (BoU) in 2016 and controversially sold to dfcu Bank. Ruparelia contested the takeover, and in 2022, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled in his favor, citing fraudulent handling by the regulator and ordering compensation.
Legal challenges continued in the UK, where courts recently discredited audit reports used to justify dfcu’s acquisition. The new retail venture reflects Ruparelia’s strategy of reclaiming and repurposing assets tied to the Crane Bank saga.
With Uganda’s retail market projected to reach US$2 billion by 2027, Crane Shoppers is poised to become a significant player, offering a competitive alternative to global chains. The outlet features modern facades and interior upgrades designed to attract urban shoppers.
Beyond retail, the Ruparelia Group’s diversified interests include prestigious schools such as Kampala Parents School and Kampala International School Uganda, media outlets like Sanyu FM, floriculture ventures including Premier Roses, and hospitality properties including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments, and Tagore Living.
Industry insiders say the launch of Crane Shoppers demonstrates Ruparelia’s resilience and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities. “Sudhir has always shown resilience, turning challenges into new frontiers,” one source close to the tycoon said. “Retail could be his next major growth area, building on decades of successful investments in Uganda.”
The supermarket’s debut marks a new chapter in Ruparelia’s business journey, further cementing his reputation as one of Uganda’s most influential entrepreneurs and a pioneer in repurposing urban assets for modern economic opportunities.
