Kampala businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia was the Guest of Honor at the “Meet the CEO” event held by the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU) on September 24. The gathering, hosted at Kabira Country Club, also marked one year since the chamber began operations in Uganda. The event brought together business leaders, diplomats, and investors to celebrate partnerships between French and Ugandan companies.
The evening featured speeches and networking, but much of the attention was on Dr. Ruparelia. Uganda’s most prominent businessman was invited to share his entrepreneurial story, which has become an example of determination and long-term planning. He spoke about starting with little, working hard, and growing into one of the country’s top investors and largest taxpayers. His remarks on resilience and vision were well received by the audience, many of whom saw his journey as proof that persistence leads to opportunity.
Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, Vice President of FCCU, commended Dr. Ruparelia for supporting initiatives that link businesses across borders. He said the chamber’s progress in its first year was impressive but noted that role models like Sudhir encourage both French and Ugandan entrepreneurs to think bigger.
The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Véronique Leroy, also addressed the gathering. She spoke about Uganda’s untapped potential and urged businesses to highlight the country’s opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment. Her message emphasized Uganda’s growing role in regional and global markets.
The choice of Kabira Country Club as the venue was also significant. The hotel, part of the Ruparelia Group, reflects the group’s investment in high-quality facilities in Uganda. Hosting the chamber’s anniversary there was another reminder of Sudhir’s influence on the country’s business landscape.
The FCCU was established to create stronger connections between French and Ugandan businesses. In its first year, it has encouraged trade, promoted investment opportunities, and built a platform for knowledge-sharing. The presence of Dr. Ruparelia, a leading figure in Uganda’s private sector, added weight to the celebrations and underlined the importance of local participation in international partnerships.
For many Ugandans, Sudhir is more than just a businessman. His career, which began with small ventures, has grown into an empire employing thousands of people across different sectors, from real estate to hospitality. His involvement in events like this shows a willingness to guide and support future generations of entrepreneurs.
As the anniversary came to a close, members of the chamber expressed optimism about the years ahead. With Uganda aiming to strengthen its role as an investment hub in East Africa, collaboration between international partners and local companies such as the Ruparelia Group is expected to open new doors.
The FCCU may be new, but its first year has already shown results. With the involvement of leaders like Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the chamber’s mission to promote resilience, vision, and cross-border cooperation is beginning to take firm shape.