Sudhir Ruparelia Praises Uganda’s Defence Manufacturing Breakthrough

Renowned Ugandan businessman and investor Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has hailed the opening of Uganda’s first armoured vehicle showroom as a transformative moment for local manufacturing.

Speaking at the commissioning of the NEC-STREIT Armoured Vehicle Showroom in Abayita Ababiri, the billionaire mogul described the facility as proof of Uganda’s growing industrial capabilities.

“This is exactly the kind of homegrown innovation we need to see more of,” said Dr. Ruparelia, known for his extensive investments across Uganda’s economy. “When we manufacture advanced products like these armoured vehicles locally, we’re not just building machines – we’re building national pride, technical expertise and economic resilience.” The property and banking magnate emphasized how such initiatives reduce import dependency while creating high-value jobs for Ugandans.

The state-of-the-art showroom, a partnership between National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and global manufacturer Streit Group, features armoured vehicles produced at Uganda’s Nakasongola plant. Dr. Ruparelia noted the strategic importance of developing local defence capabilities, saying: “True sovereignty comes when a nation can meet its own security needs while creating opportunities for its people. This project delivers on both fronts.”

Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, who officially opened the facility, echoed Dr. Ruparelia’s sentiments. The showroom represents a major milestone in Uganda’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, with over 100 Ugandans already trained in advanced armoured vehicle manufacturing through the NEC-STREIT partnership.

The facility now serves as a central hub where security agencies and private firms can access locally-made, mission-ready vehicles tailored to modern security challenges. For visionaries like Dr. Ruparelia, the project symbolizes Uganda’s potential to become a regional leader in defence innovation while strengthening its industrial base and creating skilled employment opportunities.