Ugandan billionaire and real estate mogul Sudhir Ruparelia made a strong case for investing in Uganda at the 15th UK-Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit in London.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Sudhir, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, highlighted real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism as key sectors driving Uganda’s economic growth.
“Together with my family, we’ve invested wholeheartedly in Uganda, our beloved home,” he said. “The real estate sector is vibrant, agriculture offers endless opportunities, and hospitality and tourism are thriving. This is the moment to uplift our economy.”
The summit, held on 12 September at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, brought together more than 300 leaders, including ministers, CEOs, and representatives from the World Bank, to strengthen UK-Africa trade ties in the wake of Brexit. Uganda’s delegation, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, showcased opportunities in energy, technology, and agriculture.
Sudhir, whose fortune is estimated between $1.2 and $1.6 billion, shared his remarkable journey — from being exiled during Idi Amin’s regime and working as a taxi driver in the UK to returning home in the 1980s and building one of East Africa’s largest business empires.
Starting with a small forex bureau, the Ruparelia Group has grown into a diversified conglomerate with over 300 real estate properties, leading hospitality ventures like Speke Resort Munyonyo and Kabira Country Club, as well as investments in education, insurance, and floriculture. The group employs thousands and contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy.
His message came at a time when Uganda is experiencing steady growth, with GDP expanding by 6.3%, inflation at 3.8%, and foreign direct investment reaching $3.7 billion. Sudhir urged UK investors to take advantage of opportunities in oil, agritech, and tourism, positioning Uganda as a gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The summit also explored digital trade and infrastructure partnerships, with Sudhir’s story and vision — rooted in resilience, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy through the Ruparelia Foundation — inspiring confidence in Uganda’s future as an investment hub.
