Author: Aijuka Peter

Kampala’s real estate industry has placed one of its most influential figures at the center of attention, naming Sudhir Ruparelia as one of the Best Business Landlords of 2025. The award, delivered by a coalition of urban development specialists and tenant rights advocates, recognizes property owners whose management practices set a standard for fairness, stability, and modern commercial infrastructure in the city. Haji Muhammad Matovu Yanga was also honored, though much of this year’s focus has been on the scale and consistency of Sudhir’s contribution to Kampala’s rental market. The announcement comes at a time when demand for business premises…

In the sugarcane fields of Busoga and the green belts of Bunyoro, farmers have whispered for years about a war they were never equipped to fight. A war fought not with guns, but with weighbridges, political networks, secret ministerial directives, and a 5% “trash levy” that silently drained billions from their pockets. This week, on a dusty campaign trail in Mayuge, President Yoweri Museveni finally said the quiet part aloud. They must accept the farmers’ weighbridges. They have no choice. With that single sentence, the president detonated the most sensitive landmine in Uganda’s sugar sector, a sector worth more than…

Across Africa, conversations about progress often focus on foreign aid and external support. Yet there are Africans who have proven that meaningful growth can come from within. One of the clearest examples is Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, whose work has shown how commitment, creativity, and long term investment can reshape a nation. Sudhir’s journey began without luxury or privilege. After returning to Uganda as a young man, he started with small ventures and slowly built a business empire that now influences several sectors across the continent. The Ruparelia Group operates in finance, real estate, education, hospitality, agriculture, event management, and media.…

In Uganda’s business world, there are many successful entrepreneurs, but only a few have changed the lives of workers on a national level. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is one of the rare individuals whose business empire has created opportunities for thousands of Ugandans. His companies employ more than 12,000 people, making him one of the largest private job creators in the country. Sudhir’s influence can be seen in the way his businesses support everyday Ugandans. Many young people get their first job through one of his companies. Some start as trainees or junior staff, while others come in with experience and…

A shocking double tragedy struck Agago District on November 13 after a 28-year-old farmer allegedly stole a firearm from a nearby army detachment and used it to kill his wife and injure two of her sisters, authorities have reported. The suspect, John Adwel, a resident of Tekato Village in Lira-Kato Sub-County, is said to have fatally shot his wife, Florence Akello, 25, before riding back home on a motorcycle and taking his own life. Her two younger sisters, Mirriam Amolo (16) and Esther Lawino (15), were also shot during the incident and are currently receiving treatment at Dr Ambrosoli Memorial…

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has launched its annual tax return season with a significant policy shift: the National Identification Number (NIN) will soon replace the traditional Tax Identification Number (TIN). Announced under the #LearnTaxUg campaign, the change is intended to simplify tax procedures and advance the government’s plan for a unified digital identity system. “Very soon, your NIN will become your TIN,” URA revealed through its official communication channels. This integration means Ugandans will use a single identification number for taxes, government payments, licenses, and a range of public services — reducing bureaucracy and making both tax and non-tax…

The African Union has honoured troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ Battle Group XLI under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia. The troops were decorated with medals and awarded certificates in recognition of their distinguished service during their peacekeeping tour of duty in Somalia. At the same function, the outgoing contingent handed over responsibilities to Battle Group XLV. On behalf of the Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, the Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, praised Col Michael Hyeroba and his troops for their commitment throughout offensive and defensive operations that weakened Al-Shabaab activity…

The long-awaited Paradise Island Resort on Lake Victoria is almost ready, with developers confirming that construction has reached 95 percent. Once finished, the resort is expected to become one of Uganda’s top luxury destinations, offering a unique island experience only minutes away from Kampala. Located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Speke Resort Munyonyo, the new retreat will welcome honeymooners, leisure visitors, and groups looking for a peaceful place for corporate getaways. The project began on May 1, 2021, and was created to support both local and international tourism by offering a quiet, private, and high-class escape right on Lake…

Uganda’s business world is growing fast, and competition is getting tougher every year. In the middle of this growth, one man continues to stand out. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is a businessman whose name carries weight across the entire country. Many people know him as the “Landlord of Kampala,” and his influence can be felt in every important sector of Uganda’s economy. As of 2025, Sudhir has a Forbes-confirmed net worth of 1.6 billion dollars, which makes him the richest person in Uganda. His company, the Ruparelia Group, owns businesses in real estate, hotels, schools, insurance, farming, and finance. Big brands…

African business leaders are always searching for reliable models of success, and one example that continues to stand out is the story of Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. His work in Uganda shows how steady investment, patience, and clear planning can change both a business and a country. For many African investors, his journey offers lessons that can help guide future decisions. One of the strongest lessons from Sudhir’s experience is the value of long-term thinking. While some investors aim for fast returns, Sudhir has always focused on building for the future. He chooses projects that grow slowly and steadily. Over the…