LIST: Here are 10 companies owned by Uganda’s richest man Sudhir Ruparelia

Kampala, Uganda: Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, popular to city dwellers as the ‘Landlord of Kampala,’ remains Uganda’s wealthiest man and one of the richest individuals in East Africa, with a business empire spanning multiple sectors.

Once celebrated as the first East African to grace Forbes’ list of global billionaires, Ruparelia’s fortunes faced a major shake-up in 2016 when the Bank of Uganda controversially took over Crane Bank, citing capital inadequacy and alleged mismanagement.

After a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court of Uganda returned control of the bank to him in 2022. Despite that ordeal, Crane Bank was only a fraction of his holdings.

Today, Sudhir’s influence is felt across Uganda from towering hotels and top-tier schools to massive real estate portfolios and export-driven agribusiness. The Billionaire is best known for his luxury hotels, apartment complexes, swanky resorts, and many other lesser-known companies, contributing tens of millions of dollars to his bottom line annually.

Below, we delve into 10 companies owned by Sudhir’s Ruparelia Group that continue to fuel his financial power:

1. Speke Group

Speke Group of Hotels is the umbrella company for Ruparelia’s prime hospitality assets, comprising luxury hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments across Kampala. Its high-profile properties include Kabira Country Club, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Hotel, Forest Cottages, and Dolphin Suites Bugolobi.

2. Crane Management Services

Founded in 1996, Crane Management Services manages real estate for both Ruparelia’s properties and third-party clients. It offers real estate marketing, letting, and consultancy services for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across cities like Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Mbarara.

3. Premier Roses Limited

Located in Entebbe, Premier Roses is Uganda’s largest exporter of roses, commanding 40% of the national flower export market. With over 10 rose varieties grown on 12 hectares under hydroponic systems, the company supplies premium cut roses to international markets year-round.

4. Goldstar Insurance Company Limited

Goldstar Insurance is one of the country’s top-tier insurance firms, providing general insurance solutions to corporations, government agencies, and individuals. It offers a broad spectrum of services ranging from industrial insurance to personal coverage.

5. Kampala International School Uganda (KISU)

Founded in 1993, KISU offers a globally recognized curriculum to students aged 2–18 years. The school has transformed into one of Uganda’s leading international institutions with state-of-the-art infrastructure in Bukoto, Kampala.

6. Kampala Parents School

Acquired in 2004, Kampala Parents is a premier private primary school offering the Ugandan national curriculum. Situated in the Nakawa Division, the school boasts elite academic standards and a long-standing reputation for excellence.

7. Victoria University Kampala

Sudhir took over Victoria University in 2013 and has since rebranded it into one of Uganda’s fastest-growing private universities. The varsity offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in areas like health sciences, business, law, and technology.

8. Premier Recruitment Limited

This recruitment agency places Ugandans in both domestic and international jobs. It focuses on multiple sectors, including security, hospitality, oil and gas, marketing, and construction, providing opportunities especially for youth and semi-skilled labor.

9. Sanyu FM 88.2

As one of Uganda’s oldest private FM stations, Sanyu FM broadcasts contemporary pop and urban music. To date, Sanyu FM remains a favorite among Kampala’s corporate and youthful audiences.

10. VCON Construction Uganda Limited

VCON is a building and civil engineering company under the Ruparelia Group that handles multi-million-dollar contracts. It serves both public and private clients with a focus on sustainable, modern infrastructure.