Property and business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has expanded his tourism empire with the purchase of a new flat-bottomed barge. The vessel will make it easier to transport goods across Lake Victoria as the Ruparelia Group prepares to launch the 19-acre eco-luxury Paradise Island Resort.
The barge was seen in a viral video shared by travel news outlet Africa Tembelea earlier this week. The footage showed it cruising from Jinja towards Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Painted with a bold red deck, the vessel is equipped with foldable ramps, numbered loading zones, and a safety system. Clear signs on the barge warn against smoking, require the use of life jackets, and limit access for unauthorized people.
Officials explained that the barge will be used mainly to carry construction materials, equipment, and supplies from the mainland to Paradise Island. By doing so, it will reduce the need for small boats and lower environmental risks. This step is part of the Ruparelia Group’s commitment to eco-friendly logistics as it moves closer to opening the resort in November 2025.
Paradise Island is located about 20 minutes from Speke Resort Munyonyo by speedboat. The new resort will feature 10 standard cottages, 11 cliff-hanger units, 14 deluxe two-bedroom cottages, and three premium villas. It is expected to change the face of Uganda’s luxury tourism industry by combining environmental conservation with top-level hospitality.
Building on a Strong Tourism Legacy
Dr. Sudhir, who is the chairman of the Ruparelia Group, has for years invested heavily in tourism and hospitality. His earlier success came with Speke Resort Munyonyo, which he transformed in the 1990s into a world-class convention center. That development remains one of Uganda’s most important tourist and business destinations.
Although lakefront developments have sometimes faced criticism from environmental groups, officials say the Ruparelia Group is working within NEMA guidelines to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Industry Analysts Weigh In
Experts in the tourism and transport sectors believe the new barge will have a wide impact. It is expected to create jobs in maritime transport, improve supply chains, and promote sustainable use of Lake Victoria for business.
“This is more than transport; it’s about seamless luxury in harmony with nature,” a spokesperson for the Ruparelia Group said in a statement about the development.