PROFILED:- The name Godfrey Kirumira is synonymous with wealth and prosperity in Kampala. However, Godfrey Kirumira Kalule Kampala businessman, philanthropist, real estate developer, leader and one of the wealthiest people in Uganda did not wake up one day richer. It was a matter of self-motivation, hard work and good business association that propelled him from rags to riches.
Kirumira has hustled to the top to now current Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda. As of 2023, the tycoon has elevated himself to the top list of Kampala’s wealthiest tycoons.
Godfrey Kirumira is the Chairman of the Uganda Landlord’s Association, Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) and the ‘Kwagalana Group’, an association of the richest men and women in Kampala.
His total estimated net worth including his investments as of 2023 is $350 million. Kirumira is extremely rich and drives the most expensive and luxurious cars namely Lexus, Range Rover, G-Wagon, Chrysler, and Hummer among others.
He resides in a villa worth shs29.6 billion ($8,000,000) in the affluent Buziga neighbourhood, with a view of Lake Victoria in the distance. Kirumira’s mansion is one of the only 3 biggest Mansions Uganda is blessed with, it sits at the top of the Buziga hill.
Kirumira’s Biography
Godfrey Kirumira Kalule was born on the 9th of October, 1962 to the Late Zawedde Joyce Nakimbugwe (Princess) and the Late Muhammad Kirumira. He grew up during the reign of Idi Amin Dada’s governance and attended Aggrey Memorial Primary and Secondary School before quitting to join business at the age of 12 years.
Kirumira bought and sold black-market cigarettes to customers who came from the Democratic Republic of Congo later in 1979, he started his own business where he would import bicycles from India and later Hankook tyres from South Korea.
Towards the end of the 1980s, Kirumira was an established business owner and he would also supply beans and maize to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Godfrey Kirumira is currently a married man with two wives Suzan and Grace Kirumira. He has two children; Gideon Kirumira and Brenda Namugga who got married to wealthy businessman Engineer Patrick Lubowa in 2018.
Investments
Kirumira owns real estate, education, transportation, petroleum, telecommunications infrastructure development, private security and many other businesses. He also runs a variety of real estate holdings in the Central Business District, including residential, business, and hospitality assets.
Among Kirumira’s hospitality properties are the International Hotel Muyenga 2000 Limited and the Havana Hotel. He also owns Kirumira Towers, a commercial building on William Street.
The City Businessman is the proprietor of Bargary Company Limited under which he boasts of 12 gas stations both inside and outside of Kampala under the flagship of GELP Petroleum. He also owns Nabugabo Updeal Venture Limited.
Kirumira’s current businesses are under the management of his son Godfrey Kirumira Kalule Group (GKK Group of Companies) but sits on the group as the Chairman.
Kiruma is also the proprietor of Royale Cash Forex, Money Point Forex, a bus company, GKO Security Company, BTC Transporters, KPI Petroleum Ltd and Premium Commodities which deals in products such as maize and beans.
He also owns St. Mary’s Junior School at Nabbingo and Bright Future Secondary School Bwebajja which are both non-profit initiatives. The tycoon also imports bales of used clothing and footwear in Uganda as part of his multi-billion business ventures.
In 2023 President Hage Gottfried Geingob of Namibia named Ambassador Godfrey Kirumira the Honorary Consul of Namibia in Uganda.
“It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today as the newly-appointed honorary consul of Namibia to Uganda. I want to thank God who has been a pivotal pillar of my life. I would like in a very special way to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, president of Namibia and the Namibian government for entrusting me with this prestigious position. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve as a representative of Namibia in Uganda. I pledge to uphold the values and principles that define the strong and enduring coherence between our two nations,” he said.
“In a special way, distinguished guests, allow me to take this rare opportunity to deeply thank President Museveni, whose leadership has created an enabling environment for this diplomatic relationship to take place. I have no doubt that this will be of mutual benefit to the sister nations.
“I thank the Right Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the deputy prime minister of the Republic of Namibia for the warm reception she accorded me and my delegation, when I went to Namibia to receive my consular appointment letters. The diplomatic guidance and the trust she has in me boosted my confidence in executing my next diplomatic engagements and I will forever be indebted.”As many in the audience were wondering how Kirumira got connected to Namibia in the first place, he said it was the work of Elia Irimari, his business associate and governor of the Oshana region in Namibia.
“He cordially invited me to this region and marked the beginning of our economic cooperation by offering me land for investment. This remarkable gesture is an incentive that I cannot take for granted. This appointment is not a personal achievement; it is a testimony to the collective hard work and dedication by everyone who has supported me along the way,” he said.
Uganda and Namibia have long-standing relations. In 2019, Netumbo Nabdi-Ndaitwah, Namibian deputy prime minister and had meetings with President Yoweri Museveni and other leaders.
Kirumira’s Role in Charity
Kirumira has participated in numerous charitable endeavours across various sectors of society, such as social welfare programs, corporate leadership, and sports development.
For ten years, Kirumira has supported Express FC, a local soccer team in his efforts to foster local talent. He has also supported the Buganda Kingdom’s development efforts through the ‘Twekobe Ejjude’ initiative, which aimed to develop the Kingdom’s infrastructure.
Godfrey Kirumira served as the Chairman of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the premier organization that unites all Kampala dealers and business people.
At KACITA he advocated for improved trading and working conditions for merchants and companies. He also provided advice on how to conduct business inside the city to avoid running in violation of local laws.
Achievements
Kirumira has built a diversified portfolio that encompasses real estate, telecommunications infrastructure development, petroleum (downstream), and education.
His investments have created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and contributed significantly to Uganda’s GDP. His commitment to excellence and entrepreneurship has earned him a spot among Uganda’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of $350 million.
Kirumira’s philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of many Ugandans. He has supported various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and community development projects.
His generosity and kindness have made a significant impact on the lives of many, and his open-door policy has made him accessible to people from all walks of life.
The induction into the Uganda Development Champions Book of Records is a fitting recognition of Kirumira’s achievements. His journey, intertwined with Uganda’s growth and aspirations, has been marked by his unwavering dedication to innovation and growth.
His Excellency the President of Uganda has worked closely with Kirumira on various initiatives, and the Kabaka of Buganda has also appreciated Kirumira’s support and collaboration. The business community, civil society organizations, and the general public have all applauded Kirumira’s contributions to Uganda’s development.
“We congratulate Godfrey Kirumira on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued contributions to Uganda’s development. His induction into the Uganda Development Champions Book of Records serves as a testament to his legacy and inspires future generations to emulate his remarkable achievements, “says Adam Luzindana, the Executive Director of Public Opinions International.
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