Author: ankhh

Following yesterday’s dramatic events surrounding Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s (Bobi Wine’s) campaign trail in Mbarara, a storm of propaganda has flooded social media and some media outlets, trying to twist the story in different directions. Claims, counterclaims, and emotional narratives have all been flying around, leaving the public confused about what truly transpired.

Amid the noise, verified details from Mbarara City and Bwizibwera Town Council reveal a story far different from what has been circulating a tale of poor planning and political miscalculation, heavily repackaged by NUP’s propaganda machinery.

Kyagulanyi’s first rally of the day, held at Mbarara High School grounds, was largely successful. The crowd turnout there was impressive, and spirits were high. Perhaps, buoyed by the enthusiastic reception, Kyagulanyi lost track of time.

By 5:00 p.m., the NUP leader was still in Mbarara City far behind schedule for his next rally in Bwizibwera, nearly 18 miles away. With campaign activities officially ending at 6:00 p.m., even without any police intervention, Kyagulanyi’s chances of holding a meaningful rally were already slim. According to reports, he was intercepted about 10 miles from Mbarara, still with an 8-mile journey ahead a trip that would take approximately 20 to 30 minutes given the size of his convoy and the crowds moving with him. This means that, at best, he would have reached Bwizibwera around 5:30 p.m., leaving him barely 30 minutes to campaign before the mandatory cutoff time. Clearly, the delay was not caused by police action but by Kyagulanyi’s own failure to manage time and adhere to the Electoral Commission’s campaign schedule.

While NUP has rushed to blame the police for the failed rally, findings reveal that the real problem lay elsewhere: there was no audience waiting for Kyagulanyi in Bwizibwera.

Sources reveal that the NUP team quickly realized the crowd in Mbarara City had not followed them to Bwizibwera. Panic set in. In a desperate move, Bobi Wine’s team began hiring vehicles over 200 by one account to ferry people from Mbarara City to the empty venue.

By this point, confusion had completely engulfed the NUP camp. Kyagulanyi then attempted to divert to unauthorized locations in a bid to salvage the day. Sources say the self-proclaimed “man of the people” first tried to visit a prayer house in Mbarara where he was informed there were gatherings of worshippers, but police declined the request since the site was not a gazetted campaign venue. When that plan failed, Kyagulanyi shifted focus and attempted to proceed to a busy market in Kyenshama. Again, security officials could not permit this, citing safety concerns and the need to maintain order, especially when official campaign venues had already been designated and were freely accessible to him.

When it became evident that his Bwizibwera rally had collapsed, Kyagulanyi allegedly resorted to theatrics, attempting to portray himself as a victim of state interference. But security sources and eyewitnesses on the ground confirm that the few arrests made were of NUP individuals known for violating Electoral Commission regulations, among other forms of criminality not innocent supporters.

Therefore, in all this, there was not a case of state suppression. It was a case of poor planning and political miscalculation, later disguised through propaganda.

To understand why NUP couldn’t gather numbers in Bwizibwera, one must look at the political landscape transformed under the leadership of Tycoon Tuhai­se Prosper Kururagire, the dynamic NRM Chairman of Mbarara District.

Since assuming office, Prosper has redefined local politics. His charisma, resourcefulness, and hands-on leadership have united youth groups and bridged divides that once gave the opposition breathing space. Through initiatives like football tournaments, boda boda competitions, school sponsorships, and youth empowerment projects, Prosper has rebuilt trust in NRM from the grassroots up.

Yesterday, as Kyagulanyi’s convoy crawled toward Bwizibwera, Prosper’s office was buzzing with activity. Several former NUP youth supporters formally defected to NRM, handing in their red berets and T-shirts in exchange for yellow shirts — a symbolic end to NUP’s short-lived influence in the area.

All the above explained, the narrative pushed by NUP that police interference crippled their rally simply doesn’t hold water. The truth is that the Bwizibwera rally was doomed long before the police ever stepped in. Poor time management, internal disorganization, and a collapsing local support base are what truly derailed Kyagulanyi’s campaign in Mbarara.

As events in Western Uganda continue to unfold, one thing is clear: Prosper Kururagire’s leadership has reshaped the game, and the NRM wave is surging stronger than ever, no amount of NUP propaganda can change that.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, widely known among Kampala residents as the “Landlord of Kampala,” remains Uganda’s wealthiest man and one of East Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs. His vast business empire spans real estate, education, hospitality, insurance, and agriculture, placing him among the continent’s most influential private investors.

He first gained international recognition as the first East African ever listed on Forbes magazine’s roster of global billionaires. In 2016, however, his fortune faced a major challenge when the Bank of Uganda controversially took over Crane Bank, citing capital shortfalls and management concerns. After several years of legal battles, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in 2022, effectively restoring control and clearing his name.

Even with that setback, Crane Bank represented only a small share of his holdings. Today, Dr. Ruparelia’s influence is visible across Uganda — from luxury hotels and top schools to large-scale real estate developments and agribusiness ventures that employ thousands and inject millions of dollars into the economy each year.

1. Speke Group of Hotels

The Speke Group stands at the heart of the Ruparelia hospitality network. It includes some of Uganda’s most iconic hotels and resorts such as Kabira Country Club, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Hotel, Forest Cottages, and Dolphin Suites Bugolobi. These properties have become landmarks for tourism, business conferences, and leisure in Kampala.

2. Crane Management Services

Founded in 1996, Crane Management Services manages real estate properties owned by the Ruparelia Group and external clients. The company offers property leasing, marketing, and consultancy for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in major Ugandan cities including Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Mbarara.

3. Premier Roses Limited

Located in Entebbe, Premier Roses is Uganda’s largest rose exporter, accounting for about 40 percent of the country’s flower exports. The company grows more than ten rose varieties on twelve hectares using hydroponic systems and supplies premium-quality flowers to markets in Europe and beyond.

4. Goldstar Insurance Company Limited

Goldstar Insurance is one of Uganda’s leading insurance firms, providing general coverage to individuals, corporations, and government agencies. Its services range from industrial and property insurance to personal and motor vehicle coverage, making it a key player in the country’s financial services sector.

5. Kampala International School Uganda (KISU)

Founded in 1993, Kampala International School Uganda offers a global curriculum to students aged two to eighteen. The school, located in Bukoto, is one of Uganda’s top international education institutions and is recognized for its modern facilities and consistently high academic standards.

6. Kampala Parents School

Acquired by the Ruparelia Group in 2004, Kampala Parents School is one of the country’s most respected private primary schools. Situated in Nakawa Division, it follows Uganda’s national curriculum and has built a long-standing reputation for producing top-performing pupils in national examinations.

7. Victoria University Kampala

In 2013, Dr. Ruparelia acquired Victoria University and transformed it into one of Uganda’s fastest-growing private universities. The institution offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in business, law, health sciences, and technology. It has also positioned itself as a regional center for innovation and digital learning.

8. Premier Recruitment Limited

Premier Recruitment connects Ugandans to both local and international job opportunities. The company focuses on placing workers in industries such as hospitality, oil and gas, marketing, construction, and security. It plays a vital role in addressing youth unemployment and building a skilled workforce.

9. Sanyu FM 88.2

Sanyu FM, one of Uganda’s first private radio stations, remains a major player in the country’s media landscape. Known for its blend of contemporary music and urban entertainment, it appeals to young and professional audiences across Kampala. The station continues to be a cornerstone of the Ruparelia Group’s media division.

10. VCON Construction Uganda Limited

VCON Construction, the engineering arm of the Ruparelia Group, handles large-scale building and civil works for both public and private clients. The company focuses on modern, sustainable infrastructure projects that meet international standards.

From banking and hospitality to education and real estate, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s businesses have shaped Uganda’s modern economy. His remarkable rise from a teenage refugee during the Idi Amin era to one of Africa’s most powerful billionaires is not only a story of wealth but of vision, resilience, and national impact.

Among Africa’s most enduring fortunes stands Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, a Ugandan-born businessman of Indian heritage whose story reflects both struggle and success. His life is a story of hard work, migration, and the promise of the African dream.

Dr. Ruparelia is the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, one of East Africa’s largest private enterprises. He is widely regarded as Uganda’s richest man. His journey began with a family legacy that crossed oceans and survived political and economic hardship. Today, his companies operate in real estate, banking, education, insurance, hospitality, and agriculture. Together, they have helped rebuild Uganda’s economy after years of conflict and instability.

In 2015, Forbes estimated his wealth at 800 million dollars. Economic challenges and new financial regulations later reduced part of his fortune, but he recovered through determination and business skill. By late 2023, his net worth had grown again to around 1.2 billion dollars. His story shows that success is not permanent but can be rebuilt through patience and focus. He believes wealth should serve a purpose, not just personal gain, and often says that building institutions that last is the best measure of achievement.

The Ruparelia family story began in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1897, when Sudhir’s great-grandfather left India for Mombasa, Kenya. Like many migrants from western India, he was drawn by stories of opportunity in East Africa. By 1903, the family had moved to Uganda, which was then under British rule. They opened a trading store in Jinja and later a petrol station near Queen Elizabeth National Park. These early ventures made the family part of Uganda’s growing economy.

Their life changed suddenly in 1972 when President Idi Amin expelled Uganda’s Asian community. More than 60,000 people were forced to leave the country within 90 days, abandoning their businesses and homes. Sudhir was only sixteen when this happened. His parents fled to the United Kingdom, and he later followed them to London, beginning a new life with nothing.

In London, life was not easy. He worked in factories and lived in small rooms with other refugees. Those early years taught him discipline and endurance. He began saving money through small real estate deals and learned the importance of planning, persistence, and financial independence. By 1985, he had saved 25,000 dollars, enough to return to Uganda, which had started to recover after years of turmoil.

Through that experience, he came to understand what he calls the African Dream. He says life in the West offers comfort but little freedom to take risks, while Africa is full of challenges but also full of opportunity. Success here depends on creativity and hard work, not on one’s background.

When he returned home in the mid-1980s, Uganda was still struggling to rebuild. The economy was weak, and many businesses had collapsed. To him, this was a chance to start again. He began with a small wholesale business, importing beer, salt, and wine from Kenya. Later, he founded Crane Forex Bureau, the first licensed foreign exchange bureau in Uganda. By the early 1990s, it was earning more than many commercial banks.

In 1995, Sudhir founded Crane Bank with one million dollars in starting capital. Within ten years, it had become Uganda’s second-largest private bank with more than 38 branches. It became a symbol of local enterprise and confidence in Ugandan ownership. When Crane Bank faced regulatory challenges in 2016, he defended his company and reputation through years of legal battles, proving his resilience and strength in business.

Beyond banking, Sudhir Ruparelia transformed the look and feel of Uganda’s capital city. His Ruparelia Group owns more than 200 companies that shape Kampala’s skyline and economy. The Speke Group of Hotels, Kabira Country Club, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, Sanyu FM, and Premier Roses, Uganda’s largest flower exporter, are all part of his business empire. Because of his vast investments in real estate, many Ugandans call him “The Landlord of Kampala.”

For Dr. Ruparelia, success is about more than buildings or bank accounts. He believes in creating opportunities for others through education and employment. His investments in schools and universities show his belief that knowledge is the foundation of progress. He also supports Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry, seeing it as a way to connect the country to the world.

In the heart of Kampala, his modern buildings reflect the city’s growth and his lifelong dream of rebuilding his homeland. His journey from exile to empire remains one of the most inspiring business stories in Africa. It shows how courage, vision, and persistence can turn hardship into prosperity and hope.

The Ruparelia Foundation has announced one hundred fully funded Master’s Degree scholarships in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia. The announcement was made by Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife, Mrs. Jyotsna Ruparelia, during Victoria University’s ninth graduation ceremony held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The scholarships are designed to honor Rajiv’s legacy of supporting young people through education. Rajiv, who passed away in May 2025 at the age of thirty-five, played a key role in shaping Victoria University’s growth and success.

He was widely known for his commitment to empowering young Africans and for his efforts to strengthen the university as a hub for innovation, creativity, and talent development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Sudhir said the scholarship program is a way to keep Rajiv’s vision alive. “This initiative reflects Rajiv’s deep belief in empowering the next generation. We hope these beneficiaries will continue the work he was devoted to,” he stated.

His remarks were met with warm applause from graduates, parents, and guests attending the event.

The new scholarship program builds on the Ruparelia Foundation’s long history of philanthropy in education. The foundation previously provided tuition relief during the COVID-19 pandemic and has awarded more than one thousand scholarships to Ugandan students over the years.

According to the foundation, this latest initiative seeks to support talented graduates at a time when many young people face barriers to advanced education and formal employment.

Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence K. Muganga described the gesture as both a tribute to Rajiv’s legacy and an investment in Uganda’s future.

The chief guest, His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, praised the Ruparelia family for transforming personal grief into hope for the country’s next generation of leaders.

The graduation ceremony, held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Innovation, Digitality and Employability,” featured an emotional visual tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia, celebrating his life, his work, and the values he championed.

Agricultural experts in Uganda are calling on the government to adopt more robust farmer-training programmes and institute policy reforms to promote agroecology as a pathway to resilient and sustainable food systems. The call was issued at the launch of the Agroecology Week of Action 2025 on October 27, which is being organised to raise awareness and mobilise action around ecological farming.

At the event, PELUM Uganda Country Coordinator Ms Josephine Akia emphasised that agroecology is more than ‘organic farming’. She described it as a holistic approach that applies both ecological and social concepts to the design and management of agriculture and food systems. Ms Akia warned that without strong institutional support, Uganda risks losing its indigenous food systems, seeds, and biodiversity—key assets for nutrition and resilience in the face of climate change.

She noted that the government, in partnership with PELUM Uganda, has announced plans for the country’s first National Agroecology Strategy. The strategy aims to support wider adoption of ecological farming practices, encourage relevant research, and develop markets for sustainably produced food.

PELUM’s Board Chairperson Mr Christopher Kyeswa indicated that the week’s events will bring together more than 1,500 stakeholders including small-scale farmers, indigenous knowledge holders, producer organisations, the private sector, researchers and policy-makers. Among the highlights are the 7th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium and the 4th Agroecological Market Systems Expo.

Experts say the push for agroecology comes at a critical moment. Uganda faces pressures from climate change, environmental degradation and food insecurity. They argue that enabling policies, accessible training and seed-systems reforms are central to enabling smallholder farmers to transition from conventional to ecological agriculture.

As the week progresses, attention will turn to how policy commitments are translated into practical actions at the grassroots level, such as extension services and farmer training modules that integrate local knowledge, land rights and market access.

Uganda’s renowned businessman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, took a leading role on Sunday as members of the Indian community gathered at State House Entebbe to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. The event was hosted by President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, bringing together diplomats, investors, and families in a joyful evening filled with colour, music, and cultural pride.

Dr. Sudhir’s presence stood out as a symbol of the deep connection between Uganda and the Indian community. As Uganda’s richest man and one of East Africa’s most respected investors, his leadership at the event reflected the continued bond of trust and partnership that has shaped Uganda’s modern economy. Many in attendance described him as a bridge between cultures and a living example of how business and goodwill can unite people.

President Museveni praised the Indian community for their resilience and contribution to Uganda’s progress, recalling how many returned to rebuild their lives after the expulsion of 1972. He expressed gratitude for their confidence in Uganda’s leadership and their role in developing industries that continue to provide jobs and skills to Ugandans. “When we called them back after Amin’s mistakes, they returned and trusted Uganda again. I thank them for that confidence,” the President said.

The celebration featured traditional Diwali lamps, prayers, and a shared dinner that emphasized peace and friendship. Guests described the atmosphere as one of warmth and inclusion, with both Ugandans and Indians celebrating as one family.

For Dr. Sudhir, the evening carried a deeper meaning — it was a moment to honour heritage, unity, and the spirit of renewal that Diwali represents. His active involvement reaffirmed his position not only as a business icon but also as a cultural ambassador who continues to strengthen the historic ties between Uganda and the Indian community.

As the lights of Diwali illuminated State House, the message of the night echoed across Entebbe — a celebration of friendship, faith, and shared prosperity, led by one of Uganda’s most influential sons, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia.

Business mogul and Honorary Consul of Nepal to Uganda, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has added a new diplomatic vehicle to his collection, this time featuring Uganda’s newly introduced digital number plates. The elegant white Lexus SUV, registered under diplomatic plate number HC 151 001U, was recently seen in Kampala, easily recognizable by its distinct red consular plate, which signifies his diplomatic status.

Dr. Ruparelia, who also serves as chairman of the Ruparelia Group, was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Nepal in 2020, a role through which he has helped strengthen ties between Uganda and Nepal. His appointment has been instrumental in boosting trade, tourism, and investment cooperation between the two nations.

When he first assumed his consular duties in 2020, he received his initial diplomatic vehicle. The recent upgrade featuring the digital diplomatic plate aligns with the government’s modernization efforts under the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS), a program designed to improve accountability, vehicle tracking, and national road safety.

The new number plates, which are being rolled out across the country, are fitted with advanced tracking chips and security features that make it easier for authorities to identify vehicles and monitor compliance.

Dr. Ruparelia’s new Lexus, which carries the official “HC” code for honorary consuls, represents not only diplomatic recognition but also Uganda’s growing move toward digital innovation. The vehicle’s registration under the new system reflects the state’s commitment to introducing technology-driven governance across sectors, including transport.

Observers say that Sudhir’s adoption of the system underscores his support for Uganda’s digital transformation agenda, especially in aligning private sector leadership with national reform programs. His continued embrace of modernization mirrors his long-standing efforts to promote Uganda’s global image and economic growth through innovation, diplomacy, and investment.

As an Honorary Consul, Dr. Ruparelia continues to represent Nepal’s interests in Uganda while fostering bilateral partnerships that benefit both nations. His new diplomatic vehicle, fitted with the latest digital number plates, stands as a symbol of progress — linking diplomacy, technology, and Uganda’s vision for a smarter future.

In Uganda, a country known for its energy, warmth, and opportunity, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia stands out as one of the most admired figures of his time. From airport executives at Entebbe to street vendors along Kampala Road, his name is known and respected across every corner of the nation. To many Ugandans, he is the man whose ambition shaped the modern face of Kampala and set the benchmark for business success across East Africa.

At 69, Dr. Sudhir remains Uganda’s richest man and among Africa’s most accomplished investors. He heads the Ruparelia Group, a vast business empire spanning real estate, education, hospitality, finance, agriculture, and insurance. His enterprises are deeply woven into the fabric of Uganda’s economy, employing thousands of people and attracting partnerships from around the world.

Sudhir’s dominance in real estate is unmatched. He is the country’s largest private property owner, with over 400 high-value developments spread across Kampala and other major towns. His projects range from modern office towers to luxury apartments and shopping malls that have transformed the city’s skyline. Landmarks such as Crane Towers, Kingdom Kampala Mall, and Speke Apartments have become symbols of Uganda’s urban progress. It is no surprise that even President Yoweri Museveni has publicly noted that Sudhir’s real estate revenues rival Uganda’s major export earnings.

His influence extends beyond property. In the hospitality sector, Sudhir’s name is synonymous with excellence. The Speke Resort and Conference Centre in Munyonyo has grown into Uganda’s premier venue for international conferences and summits, capable of hosting more than 5,000 delegates. Other renowned establishments under his group, including Kabira Country Club, Forest Cottages, Dolphin Suites, and the historic Speke Hotel, have become trusted choices for tourists, business leaders, and visiting dignitaries. The group’s expansion into regional tourism, with new resorts along Lake Victoria and luxury lodges in western Uganda, continues to strengthen the country’s image as a world-class destination.

Sudhir’s business journey began modestly in the 1980s with a small foreign exchange operation. Over time, that venture grew into a financial network that now includes insurance companies and investment firms among the strongest in Uganda’s private sector. His work in expanding access to finance and supporting Uganda’s capital markets has earned him recognition from both government leaders and business peers.

Yet among all his ventures, Sudhir often describes education as his proudest legacy. Through institutions like Kampala Parents School, Kampala International School Uganda, and Victoria University, he has set new standards for quality learning in East Africa. Under the Ruparelia Foundation, these schools not only deliver academic excellence but also offer scholarships to underprivileged students. His philanthropy extends to healthcare, sports, and environmental initiatives, from hospital donations during the COVID-19 crisis to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship programs across the country.

As of 2025, Sudhir Ruparelia’s net worth is estimated to exceed 1.2 billion dollars, placing him among Africa’s elite billionaires. Despite this immense wealth, he remains approachable and deeply connected to the Ugandan community. Whether attending cultural events, charity drives, or local gatherings, Sudhir continues to embody humility and national pride.

His life story remains one of Uganda’s most inspiring. Forced into exile during the Idi Amin era, Sudhir returned home with just 25,000 dollars and rebuilt his life from scratch. Decades later, his vision and determination have turned that humble beginning into one of the continent’s most successful business empires.

To many Ugandans, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia represents more than financial success. He is a builder of institutions, a believer in Uganda’s future, and a reminder that resilience and hard work can shape history. His enduring message is simple yet powerful: with focus, integrity, and faith in one’s country, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

For years, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has been known as one of Uganda’s most successful entrepreneurs. But beyond business, he has quietly built a legacy in diplomacy. This month, that effort was officially recognized once again when he was voted Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General, following a national survey that celebrated his commitment to strengthening relations between Uganda and Nepal.

The survey, conducted over three months, named Dr. Ruparelia the top-performing honorary consul for his consistent work in promoting trade, tourism, and investment between the two countries. Participants praised him not just for opening economic opportunities but also for making Ugandans feel a personal connection to Nepal.

According to many respondents, his influence has gone beyond boardrooms and official events. Several Ugandans have found business partnerships and employment opportunities in Nepal through connections facilitated by the consul’s office. “He has turned diplomacy into action,” one respondent remarked.

Appointed in February 2020 by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari of Nepal, Dr. Ruparelia became the first person to represent the Himalayan nation in Uganda. He formally launched Nepal’s consulate at Crane Chambers, Kampala, after presenting his credentials to then Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Sam Kutesa. Since then, the consulate has grown into a hub for cultural exchange and business cooperation.

One of the highlights of his tenure has been the annual Nepal Constitution Day celebrations, which he hosts in Kampala. These events have brought together Ugandans and Nepalese residents to share food, music, and friendship. In September 2025, he held yet another lively ceremony, cutting cake alongside guests and emphasizing the shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect between the two countries.

Dr. Ruparelia has also focused on education diplomacy. Under his guidance, a scholarship exchange program between Uganda and Nepal was launched to connect students and create new learning pathways. The initiative aims to encourage collaboration among young people while preparing them for global opportunities.

As a businessman, Dr. Ruparelia’s name needs no introduction. Through the Ruparelia Group, he has built one of East Africa’s largest private enterprises, spanning real estate, education, insurance, hospitality, and media. His companies — including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, Goldstar Insurance, and Sanyu FM — employ thousands of Ugandans.

But behind the success is a personal story of resilience. Born in Kabatoro, Kasese District, he fled Uganda during the 1972 expulsion of Asians and worked menial jobs in the United Kingdom. When he returned in 1985 with just $25,000, few imagined he would one day shape Uganda’s skyline and economy.

Over the years, his leadership has earned him multiple honors. In 2019, he was recognized by Public Opinions International as a Certified Uganda Development Champion, and he later received an Honorary Doctorate in Business from Uganda Pentecostal University for his contribution to national growth.

Today, as he adds the title of Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General to his long list of achievements, Dr. Ruparelia remains focused on creating impact beyond wealth. His work as Nepal’s envoy in Uganda continues to bridge cultures and open doors for trade and education.

He calls it “a privilege to serve both nations,” and the recognition affirms that his influence now stretches far beyond the business world — into the heart of Uganda’s diplomatic and development story.

The Supreme Court of Uganda has delivered another decisive judgment in favor of businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his company Meera Investments Limited, ordering the Bank of Uganda to pay them a combined Shs 1 billion in legal costs over the long-running Crane Bank dispute.

A panel of three justices, led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, with Justices Elizabeth Musoke and Stephen Musota, made the ruling on October 17, 2025, following an appeal by Sudhir and Meera challenging an earlier decision that had drastically reduced their legal cost award.

The Court found that both Sudhir and Meera were separate legal entities entitled to individual payments of Shs 500 million each, bringing the total payable by the Bank of Uganda to Shs 1 billion. The judgment partly upheld an earlier decision by Justice Mike Chibita but clarified that it was wrong to treat Sudhir and Meera as a single party since they were each sued in their own right.

Chief Justice Owiny Dollo noted that the law does not prevent more than one party represented by the same lawyer from submitting separate bills of costs. He said the only costs that should be rejected are those that are duplicated or unnecessary.

The ruling adds to a series of courtroom victories for Sudhir and Meera, who have fought a nearly decade-long legal battle following the controversial closure of Crane Bank in 2016. The Bank of Uganda took over the bank, claiming it was undercapitalized, and later sold its assets to DFCU Bank under circumstances that have since been widely criticized as irregular and unlawful.

In 2017, the central bank, acting through the defunct Crane Bank (in receivership), sued Sudhir and Meera Investments, accusing them of misappropriating huge sums of money and illegally taking over 48 branch properties. The High Court dismissed the case in 2018, ruling that Crane Bank in receivership had no legal capacity to sue. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision, and in 2021, the Supreme Court confirmed that position, declaring that the Bank of Uganda could not use the name of a bank that no longer existed to pursue legal action.

After the victory, Sudhir and Meera sought to recover their legal costs, filing bills that totaled more than Shs 54 billion each, reflecting years of legal work and court appearances. The Supreme Court Registrar had valued the claim at Shs 458 billion and awarded Shs 45.8 billion in legal fees. However, the Bank of Uganda objected, and Justice Chibita later reduced the amount to Shs 500 million, which Sudhir and Meera appealed.

In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court maintained that while the earlier Shs 45.8 billion award was excessive, the Bank of Uganda was still responsible for paying reasonable costs. Chief Justice Owiny Dollo explained that the case before the Supreme Court was not about money but about a point of law — specifically, whether Crane Bank in receivership could legally sue.

He said it was wrong to calculate fees based on the alleged Shs 458 billion claim because the appeal had nothing to do with that figure. The Chief Justice also stated that the issues raised were not complex or novel and that instruction fees should be reasonable so that justice remains accessible to all.

Justice Musoke fully agreed with the Chief Justice, while Justice Musota partly dissented, saying the applicants deserved a slightly higher award because of the scale and length of the litigation.

The Supreme Court also upheld the earlier decision to limit interlocutory costs to Shs 5 million per application, instead of the Shs 50 million initially awarded, and confirmed that all other charges — including drawings, attendances, and perusals — were already covered under instruction fees.

The Court reaffirmed that it is the Bank of Uganda, not Crane Bank, that must pay the Shs 1 billion since the central bank was the real party behind the lawsuit. Chief Justice Owiny Dollo noted that the courts had lifted the corporate veil over Crane Bank, exposing the Bank of Uganda as the actual entity responsible for initiating and financing the case.

The decision effectively closes another chapter in Uganda’s most high-profile banking dispute. It also reinforces findings by Parliament, the Auditor General, and multiple courts that the Bank of Uganda mishandled the closure and sale of Crane Bank.

The Auditor General’s 2018 report revealed that the central bank could not account for Shs 478 billion it claimed to have spent during receivership. It also noted that the sale to DFCU Bank was conducted without transparency or open bidding, in violation of proper procedures.

Crane Bank, once among Uganda’s largest and most profitable banks, was owned by Sudhir through Meera Investments Limited. Its sudden closure, followed by years of court battles, sparked national debate about the Bank of Uganda’s regulatory conduct and accountability.

For Sudhir Ruparelia and Meera Investments, the Supreme Court ruling stands as another legal vindication — confirming that the closure of Crane Bank was illegal, and that the Bank of Uganda acted outside the law. It also reaffirms their right to compensation for the years of wrongful litigation that followed.