Sudhir Urges Global Investors To Tap Uganda’s Growing Economy

Ugandan business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia has urged global investors to seize the opportunities in Uganda’s expanding economy, describing the country as a gateway to Africa’s fast-growing markets.

He made the remarks while addressing delegates at the 15th UK-Africa Business, Trade and Investment Summit in London.

Speaking on the sidelines of the gathering, which attracted more than 300 leaders including ministers, CEOs and representatives from the World Bank, the Chairman of the Ruparelia Group pointed to real estate, agriculture, hospitality and tourism as key pillars of Uganda’s growth.
“Together with my family, we have invested wholeheartedly in Uganda, our beloved home.

The real estate sector is vibrant, agriculture offers endless opportunities, and hospitality and tourism are thriving. This is the moment to uplift our economy,” Sudhir said.

The summit, hosted on September 12 at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, provided a platform to strengthen UK-Africa trade ties in the wake of Brexit.

Uganda’s delegation, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, showcased potential in energy, technology and agriculture. With Uganda’s economy growing at 6.3 percent, inflation contained at 3.8 percent and foreign direct investment reaching 3.7 billion dollars, the country’s pitch for new capital came against a backdrop of renewed investor confidence.

Sudhir’s own journey captured the resilience and entrepreneurial drive he urged investors to emulate. Forced into exile during Idi Amin’s regime, he worked as a taxi driver in the United Kingdom before returning in the 1980s to start a small forex bureau.

That venture grew into the Ruparelia Group, one of East Africa’s largest business conglomerates, with holdings in real estate, education, insurance, floriculture and hospitality.

Today the group owns more than 300 properties, operates landmark facilities such as Speke Resort Munyonyo and Kabira Country Club, and provides employment to thousands of Ugandans.

His message at the London summit underscored the role of private investment in driving Uganda’s transformation, particularly as the country positions itself to benefit from oil production, agritech and tourism under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which opens access to 1.4 billion consumers across the continent.

Analysts say that with improved infrastructure and continued reforms, Uganda is well-placed to attract the partnerships required to accelerate industrialisation and export growth.

Beyond his business empire, Sudhir also highlighted the philanthropic work of the Ruparelia Foundation, which supports education, healthcare and community development initiatives.

Participants at the summit said his story of exile, return and rebuilding was a compelling reminder of the opportunities Uganda presents to both local and foreign investors.

The London meeting also explored prospects in digital trade and infrastructure, with Uganda’s delegation emphasizing the country’s stability and youthful population as advantages for long-term growth. For Sudhir, the message was clear: those who invest in Uganda today will be part of a success story that is still unfolding.