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.
