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.
