Kampala, Uganda: On January 17, 2026, Ugandan business icon Dr Sudhir Ruparelia marked his 70th birthday, seven decades defined by resilience, bold ambition, and a transformative imprint on Uganda’s economy.
Born in 1956 in Kabatoro, Kasese District, Sudhir Ruparelia came of age during a turbulent period in Uganda’s history. At just 16, his life changed dramatically when his family was forced into exile in 1972 following the expulsion of Asians by Idi Amin.
Resettling in the United Kingdom, Ruparelia took on a string of jobs in supermarkets, factories, and butcheries, quietly building capital and sharpening the instincts that would later define his entrepreneurial success. By his early twenties, he had saved US$25,000.
When political stability began to return in the mid-1980s, Ruparelia returned home in 1985, determined to rebuild. He started modestly, importing beer and spirits from Kenya. When a government ban on beer imports hit in 1989, he pivoted swiftly—founding Crane Forex Bureau, Uganda’s first. That decision proved foundational, setting the stage for one of East Africa’s most influential business empires.
In 1995, Ruparelia launched Crane Bank, a bold move that cemented his standing in the financial sector and formally birthed the Ruparelia Group. Today, the conglomerate spans real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, floriculture, and broadcasting.
Its landmark developments, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, and several commercial towers, have become fixtures of Kampala’s skyline and symbols of private-sector growth.
The Group employs thousands of Ugandans and is widely credited for driving diversification and investment confidence. Even after the 2016 closure and subsequent restitution of Crane Bank, Ruparelia expanded his footprint, reaffirming a career-long ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Sudhir’s impact has earned national recognition. In 2025, he received the Golden Jubilee Medal for contributions to wildlife conservation and tourism, alongside a Lifetime Achievers Award at the National Property Awards.
Beyond business, the Ruparelia Foundation has supported education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and environmental protection—reflecting a sustained commitment to social development.
Tributes poured in on his milestone birthday, many hailing him as a “true visionary” and a “national treasure.” These accolades came amid personal loss, including the tragic passing of his son Rajiv in 2025. Yet Ruparelia continues to lead with grace, integrity, and an unwavering belief in Uganda’s potential.
As he steps into his eighth decade, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance, bold thinking, and nation-building.
