Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia Named Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General

Kampala — Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has been named Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General, a recognition that highlights his outstanding efforts in promoting trade, investment, and cultural ties between Uganda and Nepal.

The award follows a nationwide three-month survey aimed at identifying the country’s top-performing diplomats, reflecting the high regard Ugandans have for his contributions to both diplomacy and national development.

Dr. Ruparelia, who serves as the Honorary Consul General of Nepal to Uganda, has been widely praised for facilitating meaningful economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

According to the survey, respondents lauded his role in creating employment opportunities, fostering business connections, and inspiring local entrepreneurs through his example. Many described him as “a bridge between nations” whose initiatives have expanded investment and strengthened bilateral relations.

Appointed by Nepal’s President, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, in February 2020, Dr. Ruparelia officially presented his credentials in March of the same year, marking the establishment of Nepal’s first consulate in Uganda at Crane Chambers in Kampala. Since then, the consulate has become a hub for Nepalese-Ugandan diplomatic and business interactions.

In 2025, he hosted Nepal Constitution Day celebrations in Kampala, bringing together Ugandan and Nepali communities in a demonstration of unity, shared culture, and mutual respect. The event featured traditional performances, speeches, and a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony, reinforcing the deepening ties between the two nations.

Beyond diplomacy, Dr. Ruparelia has continued to invest in education and youth development. He recently launched a scholarship program connecting Ugandan and Nepali students, providing them with opportunities for international study and global exposure. These initiatives aim to nurture the next generation of leaders and strengthen long-term cooperation between the countries.

Dr. Ruparelia’s business achievements are equally impressive. As founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, he oversees one of East Africa’s largest privately owned conglomerates with investments in real estate, hospitality, education, finance, media, and insurance.

His portfolio includes Speke Resort Munyonyo, Crane Management Services, Victoria University, Kampala Parents School, Premier Roses, Sanyu FM, and Goldstar Insurance. Under his leadership, these enterprises have created thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to Uganda’s GDP growth, earning him recognition as a transformative figure in the private sector.

The journey that brought Dr. Ruparelia to this point has been defined by resilience and determination. Born in Kabatoro, Kasese District, he fled Uganda during the 1972 expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin, seeking refuge in the United Kingdom.

Returning in 1985 with only $25,000, he rebuilt his life from scratch, establishing a small import business before founding Crane Forex Bureau, the country’s first licensed foreign exchange bureau. His perseverance and strategic vision have since positioned him as one of Africa’s wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs.

The recognition as Uganda’s Best Honorary Consul General is a reflection not only of his diplomatic achievements but also of his commitment to national progress and international cooperation.

Public Opinions International, which conducted the survey, highlighted his integrity, leadership, and patriotism, noting that his ability to combine business acumen, philanthropy, and diplomacy sets a standard for modern leadership.

In accepting the honor, Dr. Ruparelia acknowledged the partnership between Uganda and Nepal and pledged to continue fostering investment, education, and cultural understanding between the two countries. “This recognition belongs to both Uganda and Nepal,” he said. “I will continue to promote initiatives that strengthen the ties between our peoples and create opportunities for shared growth.”

Through his dual roles as a business leader and diplomat, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has reinforced Uganda’s image as a country open to investment, innovation, and cross-cultural engagement.

His recognition serves as a testament to the impact that visionary leadership and committed service can have on a nation’s social and economic development.