By Musisi Lwanga
In line with Section 3 (1) of the National Honors and Awards Act, 2001 (as Amended), His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, on the 39th NRM/A Victory Day Anniversary Celebrations held on 26th January 2025, in Mubendde District, conferred Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia with the title of Honour of the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) for his outstanding service, dedication, and contribution to the success of NAM and G77+ China Summits.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, is a Ugandan businessman, investor, and a philanthropist renowned as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in East Africa. He moved to the United Kingdom (UK) as a refugee, where he worked multiple jobs before purchasing his first house at the age of 20. In 1985, he returned to Uganda with $25,000 in savings and established the Ruparelia Group, which has grown into a multi-sector conglomerate with interests in real estate, financial services, education, hospitality, agriculture, and media. The Group employs over 8,000 people and is one of Uganda’s largest taxpayers.
This is not the first time Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s contributions have been recognized. He previously received an Honorary Doctor. Born in Kampala on January 17, 1956, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s journey to success is an inspiring story of resilience and vision
Dr. Ruparelia’s contributions have been recognized. He previously received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Uganda Pentecostal University and the Golden Jubilee Independence Medal for his exceptional investment services. Receiving the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (Grand Officer) underscores Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s legacy as a visionary leader, whose influence continues to inspire growth, innovation, and hope across Uganda and beyond.
As the Chairman of the Ruparelia Foundation, he has been a driving force behind various charitable initiatives in healthcare, education, wildlife conservation, and poverty alleviation. Since its inception, the foundation has donated over $1 million to charitable causes. His business ventures have also contributed significantly to Uganda’s economy, his Meera Investments Ltd is the largest property developer in Uganda, while Rosebud Ltd is the country’s leading exporter of flowers, controlling a significant portion of Uganda’s flower export market.
His education investments include Kampala International School, Kampala Parents’ School, Victoria University Kampala, and Delhi Public School International, all of which are regarded as leading institutions in Uganda. His hospitality ventures, such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, have hosted major events like the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), NAM, and G77+ China Summits, among others.
The Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane (GRAND OFFICER) is awarded by H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda, to people who have distinguished themselves in leadership, service and both public and private sectors.
