Sudhir Leads Uganda Team to UK-Africa Business Summit

Billionaire businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is leading Uganda’s delegation at the 15th UK-Africa Business Summit, which opened on Friday at the Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place in London.

The gathering has attracted global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders who are seeking new opportunities to strengthen cross-border trade, expand financing avenues, and promote sustainable development across the continent under the theme “Forging Investment Partnerships for Growth.”

As one of Uganda’s most prominent entrepreneurs with wide-ranging investments in real estate, finance, hospitality, and education, Dr. Ruparelia is among the key speakers expected to showcase Uganda’s potential as a preferred investment destination. He is anticipated to emphasize prospects in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, ICT, and services while stressing the importance of partnerships that can drive Africa’s transformation. “Uganda is a land of immense possibilities, and what we need are the right alliances to turn those possibilities into sustainable growth,” he remarked ahead of his presentation.

The country’s participation is bolstered by a high-level delegation of leaders reflecting different sectors of government. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa, State Minister for Investment Evelyn Anite, and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga are all attending. Their involvement underscores Kampala’s effort to present a coordinated front in engaging investors and advancing its development agenda.

Also present are Col. Edith Nakalema, Gen. David Muhoozi who serves as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi who is Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, and Labour Minister Betty Amongi.

These officials are expected to participate in various panels, offering perspectives on security, fiscal reforms, regional integration, and social development. Their inclusion highlights the breadth of Uganda’s engagement, not only in economic matters but also in the wider governance and policy framework essential for sustaining investment.

For Uganda, the summit represents more than just networking. It provides an avenue to deepen trade and investment ties with the United Kingdom, which remains a critical partner in the country’s growth strategy.

Officials say the discussions are expected to translate into new commitments in financing, infrastructure development, and market access. These outcomes would align closely with Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy and Vision 2040, both of which seek to position the nation as a regional hub for investment and innovation.

Observers note that Uganda’s delegation comes at a time when competition for foreign direct investment on the continent is intensifying. By placing figures like Dr. Ruparelia and senior government leaders at the forefront, Kampala is signaling its determination to attract capital and expertise needed to accelerate economic transformation.

Whether through large-scale infrastructure projects or targeted investment in technology and agriculture, the summit is expected to open avenues that could shape Uganda’s development trajectory in the years to come.