Dr. Edwin Musiime, Chairman of the Uganda Homeowners Association, led a delegation of board members to recognize business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia with the Lifetime Achievers Award at the National Property Awards.
The award, presented at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala last week, celebrated Sudhir’s outstanding contribution to Uganda’s real estate sector and his role in improving access to affordable housing. The ceremony brought together government officials, business leaders, and real estate stakeholders.
“Dr. Sudhir has lived a life dedicated to bettering the standards of living for many Ugandans. Beyond affordable housing, he has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and recreation,” said Dr. Musiime during his keynote speech.
Sudhir’s Real Estate Legacy
Sudhir, Uganda’s wealthiest businessman, has built a wide real estate portfolio through Meera Investments and the Ruparelia Group. His properties include Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Pearl Tower, Kingdom Kampala, the high-end One-10 Apartments in Kololo, and others.
The Ruparelia Group also operates in banking, hospitality, and education, making it one of Uganda’s most powerful business empires.
According to Forbes, Sudhir began his journey in the United Kingdom, where he saved 25,000 US dollars before returning to Uganda in 1985. He started by trading and importing premium Kenyan beer brands, setting up one of Kampala’s first organized distribution networks. From there, he expanded into property and hospitality.
Housing Deficit in Uganda
Speaking at the event, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, warned that Uganda faces a housing deficit of nearly seven million units. She urged government and private partners to focus on affordable housing to improve living conditions.
Her call was supported by Mugabi Lazarus, Director of the Board of Governors, AREA Uganda, who advised households to limit accommodation costs to 30% of their income. He said housing shortages are a global challenge but stressed the need for government intervention.
Sudhir’s recognition goes beyond real estate. His work in education, healthcare, and philanthropy has created thousands of jobs and transformed Kampala’s skyline.
As Uganda continues to face rapid urbanization and a growing housing deficit, the award highlights the importance of private sector leaders like Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia in shaping the country’s future.