The new Barge will aid in supplying construction materials, food, and equipment, to Paradise Island Resort reducing reliance on smaller boats and minimizing environmental impact on the lake.
Munyonyo, Uganda: Property and Business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has expanded his tourism empire with the acquisition of a new flat-bottomed barge to ease transportation of goods across Lake Victoria, ahead of the launch of his 19-acre eco-luxury Paradise Island Resort.
The vessel, captured in a viral video shared by travel news outlet Africa Tembelea, was filmed earlier this week cruising from Jinja towards Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Painted with a striking red deck, the barge features foldable ramps, numbered loading zones, and a safety system that includes clear signage on no smoking, mandatory life jackets, and restricted access for unauthorized personnel.
Officials say The Barge will primarily transport construction materials, supplies, and equipment between the mainland and Paradise Island, cutting reliance on smaller boats and minimizing environmental risks. This move is part of the Ruparelia Group’s push for eco-friendly logistics as it prepares to open Paradise Island Resort in November 2025.
Located a 20-minute speedboat ride from Speke Resort Munyonyo, the retreat will feature 10 standard cottages, 11 cliff-hanger units, 14 deluxe two-bedroom cottages, and three premium villas. The resort is expected to redefine Uganda’s luxury tourism offering by blending conservation with high-end hospitality.
Dr Sudhir, chairman of the Ruparelia Group, has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, building on the legacy of Speke Resort Munyonyo, which he transformed in the 1990s into a world-class convention hub.
While lakefront developments have previously drawn scrutiny from environmental activists, officials insist the group continues to work under NEMA guidelines.
Industry analysts note that the barge could create maritime jobs, ease supply chain bottlenecks, and improve sustainability in lake transport. “This is more than transport; it’s about seamless luxury in harmony with nature,” a Ruparelia Group spokesperson said when contacted for a comment on the recent development.
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