Author: ankhh

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has officially confirmed that several of its key departments will now operate from the RR Pearl Tower, a world-class commercial complex developed by Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s Ruparelia Group. The authority says the relocation will strengthen efficiency, improve accessibility, and enhance overall service delivery for taxpayers.

URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said the move reflects the institution’s continued growth and modernization efforts. He explained that Uganda’s rapidly expanding economy, driven by emerging industries such as oil, gas, and technology, has increased the need for more modern and spacious work environments.

“Uganda’s economy is evolving, and URA must evolve with it. The RR Pearl Tower provides a modern setting that allows our staff to operate efficiently and deliver better services to the public,” Kalumba said.

The RR Pearl Tower, a newly completed architectural landmark on Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala, was developed by the Ruparelia Group, one of Uganda’s leading real estate and investment companies. The tower will host critical departments including the Large Taxpayers Office, Public Sector Division, and Medium Taxpayer Division.

Kalumba noted that the transfer to the new premises will be carried out in phases to ensure that all taxpayer services continue without interruption. He said the move closer to the Central Business District (CBD) will make it easier for businesses and individuals to access URA’s services.

“The RR Pearl Tower brings URA closer to its clients. Its central location, world-class facilities, and modern infrastructure are ideal for the kind of professional work we do,” he added.

Kalumba also addressed false reports circulating on social media claiming that URA would spend Shs 18 billion per year on rent at the Pearl Tower. He described the figures as misleading, emphasizing that the procurement process was fully transparent and conducted according to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act.

“The building was selected through a competitive and lawful process. The contract was awarded to the lowest evaluated bidder, and the final decision was guided by value for money,” he clarified.

He further explained that the relocation is part of URA’s digital transformation and modernization agenda, which focuses on improving efficiency, enhancing taxpayer engagement, and adopting smart technologies.

Developed by Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the RR Pearl Tower stands as one of Uganda’s most advanced commercial properties, designed with modern energy systems, sustainable features, and high security standards. The project has received praise for its quality and architectural excellence, making it one of the most sought-after office spaces in the capital.

Observers in the business community say URA’s decision to relocate to the RR Pearl Tower demonstrates confidence in the Ruparelia Group’s long-standing reputation for quality and reliability. The building’s completion has also been seen as a major contribution to Kampala’s modernization, further cementing Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s legacy as a key driver of urban and economic development in Uganda.

By hosting a major national institution like URA, the RR Pearl Tower is not only redefining Kampala’s skyline but also reinforcing Sudhir Ruparelia’s vision of creating spaces that connect progress, professionalism, and public service.

Masindi: The simmering feud in Uganda’s sugar industry has deepened after Mr. Mohamudh Kazimbiraine, Chairman of the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union, accused Kinyara Sugar Limited of orchestrating a smear campaign and engaging in unethical practices to undermine competitors and suppress independent farmers.

In an exclusive interview, Kazimbiraine, who heads the Bunyoro Sugar Farmers’ Union that manages a chain of public weighbridges in the region, alleged that Kinyara had “lost integrity” and was using underhand methods to eliminate competition from Victoria Sugar Limited, a rival miller that has been purchasing cane from farmers in Masindi, Hoima, and Kiryandongo Districts.

The 2 a.m. Sugar Cane Mystery

Kazimbiraine narrated a controversial incident in which a truck allegedly belonging to Kinyara offloaded sugarcane at the Union’s weighbridge at 2:00 a.m., without authorization or documentation.

“The lorry came at odd hours, around 2am night, tipped off sugarcane on the ground, and drove away before anyone could receive or weigh it,” he said. “By 5:00 a.m., Kinyara’s agricultural manager was already reporting to police that their cane had been stolen — which was suspicious because nobody had even processed it.”

According to the chairman, police later arrested a turn-boy from the truck, while the driver,  reportedly attached to Kinyara,who dropped off the cane remained unaccounted for. “We’ve asked Kinyara to produce that driver, but they’ve refused,” he said.

The ongoing dispute, Kazimbiraine explained, stems from Kinyara’s insistence on zoning, a system that restricts sugarcane farmers from selling to millers outside designated areas.

“Kinyara wants a monopoly,” he said. “They believe all sugarcane in Bunyoro belongs to them, even when it grows on private land. They want to dictate who buys, when to harvest, and how much to pay — but this is a free economy.”

He added that Victoria Sugar’s entry into Masindi around 2022 brought competition that benefited farmers, offering UGX 100,000 per ton compared to Kinyara’s UGX 80,000, and paying instantly or within a day — unlike Kinyara’s 60–90 day payment delays.

“Victoria pays farmers promptly and transparently. That’s why Kinyara sees them as a threat,” Kazimbiraine said.

Battle Over Weighbridges

Kinyara has reportedly accused the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union of using its weighbridges for illegal operations, an allegation Kazimbiraine strongly denied.

“Our weighbridges are commercial and open to all traders, not just for sugarcane, but even traders of other produce like maize, beans, casava, timber etc, use them.They are calibrated and licensed by UNBS,” he clarified.

He accused Kinyara of mobilizing government officials to close the weighbridges under false claims. However, he cited directives from former Internal Affairs Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja stopping police from interfering in private business operations.

Kazimbiraine said that Kinyara’s “monopolistic tendencies” have pushed farmers to organize themselves under co-operatives and form partnerships with new millers.

“We’ve built seven co-operative societies, registered legally under the Ministry of Trade, and signed an MoU with Victoria Sugar to supply cane,” he explained. “Farmers should be free to sell to whoever offers better prices.”

He concluded by urging government to protect small holder cane growers from corporate exploitation.

“Uganda is a free market economy. Farmers deserve the freedom to choose where to sell their cane,” he emphasized. “Kinyara should compete fairly, not through intimidation or manipulation.”

The sugar sector in Uganda has long been marked by tension between large millers and independent outgrowers. The debate over zoning, which seeks to allocate exclusive cane-buying zones to millers, has been rejected twice by Parliament, in 2020 and 2022, as discriminatory and anti-competitive.

Farmers’ unions across Bunyoro continue to call for open-market policies, fair pricing, and faster payment systems to protect livelihoods in the sugar belt.

Our independent investigations show that the driver who dumped the cane at weighbridge and drove off at breakneck speed is actually a staff of Kinyara Sugar,who claim their sugarcane was being stolen by Victoria Sugar Ltd. This, according to independent investigations explains why the driver is “currently on the run” and being ‘pursued’ by police investigating officers. “The driver who was driving the a Tipper Lorry Number UBA 886R is a Kinyara driver, the loader in custody is their worker, it’s their driver who dumped the cane at the weigh bridge,now how does one say, Victoria Sugar Ltd was stealing? What’s the connection? Why are they hiding their driver? Kazimbiraine wondered.

Police Speaks Out

Police spokesperson to the Albertine Region SP Hakiza Julius confirmed; “It’s true a thefty case was reported by Kinyara Sugar Ltd in Masindi. The cane allegedly stolen was worth shs 3,720,000/-. The exhibit was recovered and handed over back to Kinyara,but one suspect,a one Okello Kenneth was arrested to help in investigations. The driver is still at large”.

Our attempts to get Kinyara Sugar’s comment on the same proved futile after the company’s PRO said he was at a function and promised to get back when he leaves the the same, however our repeated attempts again proved futile. “I’m still at a function send me a message I will reply,he said”.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW BELOW; COURTESY OF THESPY UGANDA!

Victoria Sugar Factory in Luweero District has once again come under attack from what company officials describe as “malicious and well-funded propaganda” orchestrated by rival sugar producers bent on frustrating its operations and discouraging potential investors purely for selfish reasons.

Recent publications by some unpatriotic and unserious blogger outlets alleged that the factory emits thick smoke and soot, endangering residents’ health and the environment. However, investigations by TheSpy Uganda reveal that these stories are part of a sustained smear campaign driven by competitors in the same industry, who reportedly bankroll certain bloggers and sections of the press to malign the fast-growing sugar firm.

According to credible sources, these competitors have been mobilizing and paying small groups of locals to appear before cameras and make unfounded allegations ranging from coughs to contaminated crops, claims that have never been backed by a single medical or laboratory report. It should be remembered that when similar allegations were first raised last year, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) dispatched a team of inspectors who, after thorough investigations, cleared Victoria Sugar Factory of any wrongdoing and confirmed that its operations met all environmental standards.

Despite NEMA’s official clearance, the smear campaign has persisted, raising serious questions about the motives behind the continuous attacks on an enterprise that has invested billions of shillings in modern production technology and community development. A senior source within the company told TheSpy Uganda that one of the media houses involved has allegedly been receiving a monthly retainer of about Shs1 million to publish negative stories against the factory. “This is economic sabotage in disguise,” the source lamented. “While the President is out there encouraging investors to set up industries and create jobs, some unprofessional and unethical bloggers are working overtime to destroy them.”

In an exclusive interview on Monday, Victoria Sugar Factory’s Human Resource Manager, Ms. Mbaiza, said the company has for years endured a coordinated campaign of falsehoods and distortions intended to tarnish its image. “We have provided hundreds of jobs to the people of Luweero, improved livelihoods through various corporate social responsibility programmes, and adhered to all environmental regulations,” she said. “We urge members of the media to be partners in development—not instruments of destruction.”

Mbaiza further appealed to regulatory bodies and security agencies to investigate the growing trend of economic sabotage disguised as journalism, warning that it could scare away investors and undermine national development goals. “Uganda’s liberalized economy thrives on healthy competition, not blackmail. The President’s effort to market Uganda as a safe investment destination will be in vain if we allow such unethical acts to continue unchecked,” she added.

Meanwhile, residents of Ndibulungi village, where the factory is located, continue to praise the company for its role in transforming the area through infrastructure development, employment, and social support.

As calls grow louder for responsible and patriotic journalism, industry analysts warn that weaponizing the media for commercial warfare not only damages companies but also dents Uganda’s image as an investment-friendly nation.

In a continent brimming with potential yet often constrained by underdevelopment, visionary leaders who turn ambition into tangible progress deserve celebration. Among Uganda’s business titans, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia stands out—not just for his immense personal success, but for his unwavering commitment to promoting Africa as a hub of tourism, investment, and development.

Dr. Sudhir’s work transcends the accumulation of wealth. Through the Ruparelia Group, he has transformed Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector, setting a benchmark for luxury, innovation, and excellence. The Speke Resort Munyonyo, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, and other world-class establishments under his stewardship are not merely hotels—they are African landmarks, drawing visitors from across the globe, creating jobs, and positioning Uganda as a must-visit destination on the continent.

Tourism, as we know, is one of Africa’s most potent engines of economic growth. Yet, the sector often suffers from inconsistent standards, lack of infrastructure, and limited investment. Dr. Sudhir has consistently demonstrated that with vision, meticulous planning, and a commitment to quality, African enterprises can compete on a global stage. His resorts and investments showcase Africa’s potential for world-class hospitality while promoting local culture and heritage.

Moreover, his contributions extend beyond tourism. By supporting education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, he has fostered inclusive growth, proving that private enterprise can be a force for societal advancement. This is exactly the type of visionary leadership Africa needs to recognize and celebrate.

Honoring Dr. Sudhir at a continental level would not just be a tribute to his business acumen; it would send a powerful message: Africa values leaders who invest in its growth, who elevate its global image, and who transform potential into progress. For a continent striving to compete globally, celebrating champions like Sudhir is not optional—it is imperative.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has already done the hard work. It is time Africa honors him.

Acholi Inn, one of northern Uganda’s most prominent hotels, welcomed Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia during the Memorial Rally 2025 in Gulu over the weekend. The hotel praised his visit as a significant boost for tourism in the region.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the hotel described hosting Dr. Ruparelia as “an honour beyond words.” “We were deeply honored to host Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s most distinguished entrepreneurs, here at Acholi Inn Hotel during the Memorial Rally weekend. Your visit added great prestige to our home of Northern hospitality. We celebrate your continued support for sports, tourism, and Uganda’s growth,” the post read.

Thousands of fans attended the rally, which was the sixth round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC). The event covered 260 kilometers across Gulu, including 132.6 kilometers of competitive stages. Top drivers such as Ronald Sebuguzi, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Nasser Mutebi, and Duncan Mubiru competed in a high-energy contest that combined motorsport excitement with a celebration of community.

Following the rally, Gulu City Council announced that a major road would be named in honor of the late rally star. Mayor Alfred Okwonga said the decision reflects how sports and entrepreneurship continue to positively impact the region.

The Acholi Inn emphasized that hosting Dr. Sudhir during the weekend reinforced Gulu’s growing status as a hub for tourism and national events. The hotel also highlighted the broader contributions of the Ruparelia family across Uganda, including education, real estate, philanthropy, and sports.

At the end of the weekend, Gulu was left with more than memories of fast-paced racing. The city celebrated legacy, community, and the ongoing influence of private leadership in promoting tourism and supporting regional growth.

By BBC

The office of Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has said an attempt to seize power illegally and by force is under way in the country.

Hours later, an army unit known as CAPSAT claimed that it had taken over the leadership of the military command, and was now in control of all the armed forces – land, air, and naval.

This is the same unit that played a crucial role in the 2009 Malagasy political crisis, which helped Rajoelina rise to power.

Madagascar was first hit by protests on 25 September against water and power cuts, but they have escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Rajoelina’s statement said “there is an attempt to seize power at this time in the territory of the Republic, in complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles,” in a translation.

He condemned “in the strongest possible terms” what he called an attempt to destabilise the country. He also called on all of the nation’s key forces to unite in defending the constitutional order and national sovereignty.

CAPSAT said it had appointed a new chief of staff, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, according to a statement issued on its Facebook page.

On Saturday, some soldiers had left their barracks on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo, to join protesters in front of the city’s town hall.

There were reports of a shoot-out at the camp after officials from the gendarmerie visited it for discussions. No further details have emerged of the incident.

CAPSAT had condemned the use of force by security forces in handling recent protests in Antananarivo.

On Saturday, a statement from the presidency had assured the nation that Rajoelina and the new prime minister – an army general he appointed last week – were in control of the situation.

Eleven inmates and four prison warders were seriously injured on Friday when a truck carrying prisoners to Masindi Prison overturned along the Masindi–Kijunjubwa Road.

The accident happened around 3:00 p.m. near Kamurasi Primary School, according to Albertine Region Police spokesperson SP Julius Allan Hakiza.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle, which had been hired to transport firewood to Masindi Prison, failed to climb a hill near Kamurasi Primary School and rolled backwards, overturning and causing injuries,” Hakiza said.

Police said the driver of the Mitsubishi Fuso truck, identified as Julius Atugonza, fled the scene after the crash. A search has been launched to arrest him as investigations continue to find out what caused the accident.

All the injured were taken to Masindi Hospital under prison guard for treatment.

The injured prison officers were identified as Sgt Emmanuel Nkenkya, Cpl Felix Egaru, L/Cpl Peter Emurwoth, and Warden Peter Aurah.

The injured inmates include Stephen Charles Oryem, John Ainebyona, Godfrey Tata, Brian Akampurira, Innocent Kasamba, Muhammed Muasami, Justus Arinaitwe, Godfrey Immanga, David Okello, Sande Mathias, and Moses Opar.

“The wreckage has been towed to the police yard for inspection,” SP Hakiza added. “A search for the driver is underway, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.”

The accident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of prisoner transport in Uganda.

Police have asked anyone with information that could help locate the missing driver or explain how the crash happened to come forward.

The Church of Uganda has said that its position on homosexuality and same-sex marriage has caused a major drop in donor funding. But the church is still hopeful. It believes God will keep blessing it with supporters who believe in its mission and vision.

According to Mr Balaam Muheebwa, the acting Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary, “The church’s main sources of funding now include offertory, thanksgiving, tithe, personal commitments, and donations.”

But donations have fallen sharply. This happened after donors pulled out because the church decided to condemn homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

Even with less donor money, the Church of Uganda has signed a deal with Paxtel Telecom. This agreement will guide their work together and could open new doors.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, called the partnership a “Kingdom opportunity to transform the lives of God’s people.”

“We treasure the coming of Paxtel Telecom. We are forever grateful,” Mr Muheebwa said amid thunderous applause. The partnership will use technology to help the community, encourage development, and build a more connected and successful society.

The Church of Uganda has been clear about its views on homosexuality. Archbishop Kaziimba recently spoke against the appointment of Rev. Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury. He did this because she reportedly supports actions that go against the Bible’s teachings.

Despite the difficulties, the church will not change its path. Mr Muheebwa said the church is looking for partners who agree with its views.

“Our stand as Church of Uganda is very clear, and we are not about to compromise that, and we have no apologies,” he said.

The deal with Paxtel Telecom comes as the church faces money problems. The amount of offering collected during services has also gone down since the COVID-19 pandemic. The church needs to pay for different projects. These include a pension plan for retired church leaders and developing its unused land.

Paxtel Telecom and the Hamilton Telecom family gave Shs50 million to the Church of Uganda. This money will help improve the lives of retired bishops. The company also gave Shs 10 million to the diocese of Karamoja. The chairman of Paxtel Telecom, Mr John Kamya, said the partnership is about a shared goal. That goal is to use the power of technology to serve the community.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda’s wealthiest entrepreneur and chairman of the Ruparelia and Speke Groups, has played a transformative role in the country’s tourism industry. Known for modernizing hospitality, making strategic investments, and supporting wildlife conservation, Ruparelia has become a leading figure shaping Uganda’s tourism identity.

His hotels dominate Kampala’s skyline, his convention centers host major events, and his foundation funds projects that preserve the country’s natural heritage. Over the years, he has blended business success with a commitment to national development, helping Uganda gain recognition as a global tourism destination.

While Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes have long drawn visitors, the country needed world-class accommodation and event infrastructure. Ruparelia’s Speke Group of Hotels has addressed this need. Properties such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Hotel Kampala, Kabira Country Club, and a variety of apartment complexes provide luxury stays and long-term accommodations that meet international standards.

These properties also underpin Uganda’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The Speke Resort Convention Centre, built in partnership with government, enables the country to host regional and international events, attracting high-value visitors and boosting local employment. Industry analysts note that Ruparelia’s investments have created thousands of jobs, while his hotels consistently receive top ratings from the Uganda Tourism Board.

Ruparelia’s influence extends beyond hotels and convention centers. He is an active supporter of conservation and eco-tourism, key elements of Uganda’s tourism appeal. In 2018, he became a lifetime guardian at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and provided funds to feed the primates during the COVID-19 lockdown. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, he has sponsored wildlife education programs and rhino translocations at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. In 2022, the foundation received the Conservation Education Award at UWEC’s 70th anniversary, recognizing his efforts to align private investment with sustainable tourism.

The tourism sector in Uganda is recovering strongly following the pandemic. Visitor numbers are rising thanks to business travel, improved marketing, and growing interest in national parks and gorilla trekking. Tourism has become one of Uganda’s top sources of foreign exchange. However, challenges remain, including underdeveloped access roads, limited domestic flights, and stiff competition from neighboring countries. Community engagement, conservation funding, and sustainability continue to be key discussion points. Investors like Ruparelia are central to addressing these challenges, helping Uganda compete in high-end tourism markets while encouraging responsible development.

Ruparelia’s ongoing recognition stems from the scale of his projects, his commitment to conservation, and his alignment with national tourism priorities. As Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has noted, his leadership and dedication to hospitality are unmatched. By combining business excellence with advocacy for Uganda’s tourism sector, Ruparelia has become one of the country’s most respected private leaders in the industry.

Looking ahead, Uganda aims to expand its tourism sector further, attracting more international visitors and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Achieving these goals requires investments in infrastructure and sustainable practices. Ruparelia has committed to continuing his support through hotel expansion, wildlife initiatives, and community-focused programs, emphasizing collaboration between private investors and government to ensure tourism benefits reach local communities.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s achievements illustrate the impact of private leadership on Uganda’s tourism industry. His hotels set high standards, his conservation efforts inspire others, and his vision for national development reinforces Uganda’s position as the “Pearl of Africa.” Through his work, Ruparelia demonstrates how business success can drive both economic growth and sustainable development.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s business world. As the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, he has built a wide-reaching business empire that spans real estate, hospitality, education, media, and agriculture. His efforts have transformed several industries and played a key role in shaping Uganda’s economy. His journey is a story of hard work, resilience, and vision.

Born in 1956 in Kabatoro, Kasese District, Dr. Ruparelia grew up in a family from Uganda’s Indian community. His early life changed dramatically in 1972 when Idi Amin’s government expelled Asians from Uganda. His family relocated to the United Kingdom, where he took on modest jobs in factories and supermarkets. Through determination and careful saving, he managed to accumulate about 25,000 US dollars. In 1985, he made the bold decision to return to Uganda — a choice that would define his future.

Upon his return, Dr. Ruparelia began by importing beer and spirits from Kenya. In 1989, he launched Crane Forex Bureau, the first licensed foreign exchange business in Uganda. His ventures grew steadily, expanding into banking with Crane Bank, and later into real estate, schools, hotels, and agriculture. According to Pulse Uganda, his sharp business instincts and ability to identify opportunity helped him build one of East Africa’s most successful private business groups.

Today, the Ruparelia Group owns hundreds of properties across Kampala and other cities. It manages leading hotels and resorts, as well as schools such as Kampala Parents School and Delhi Public School International. The group also has major investments in flower farming, broadcasting, and insurance. Company reports show that it employs thousands of Ugandans, contributing greatly to job creation and economic growth.

Dr. Ruparelia’s achievements have earned him wide recognition. In 2024, the Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards named him Lifetime Achiever in Business Entrepreneurship for his lasting impact on regional enterprise. In early 2025, President Yoweri Museveni presented him with the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) during the 39th NRM/A Victory Day celebrations. Later that year, the Indian Business Forum in Kampala honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Property Awards recognized his influence on Uganda’s real estate sector. Reports from Daily Express and The Standard describe him as one of Uganda’s most honored business leaders.

Beyond his business success, Dr. Ruparelia is deeply involved in philanthropy through the Ruparelia Foundation. The foundation supports education, healthcare, environmental protection, and community development. His belief that business success should be matched with social responsibility has strengthened his reputation as a leader who truly gives back to society.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s story is a powerful example of persistence and vision. From a young man forced into exile to a billionaire entrepreneur shaping Uganda’s skyline, his life shows what can be achieved through determination and enterprise. For many Ugandans, he represents not only success but also the power of business to inspire progress and national pride.