In a moment of national pride, businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and his daughter Sheena Ruparelia will Sunday be honoured during Uganda’s 39th NRM/A Liberation Day celebrations for their pivotal roles in hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits.
These historic gatherings, which took place in January last year, brought global leaders to Uganda to deliberate on pressing global challenges, marking a significant milestone in the country’s international diplomacy.
Sudhir Ruparelia, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, spearheaded the construction of the Speke Convention Centre at Munyonyo.
Completed in a record time of just one year, the state-of-the-art facility has a seating capacity of 3,800 guests and features 33 mini-conference rooms.
This monumental project was crucial in ensuring Uganda’s readiness to host the summits, showcasing the nation’s capability to organize high-profile international events.
Sheena Ruparelia, who supervised the construction of the convention center, is lauded for her dedication and meticulous oversight of the project.
Her leadership ensured that the facility met the highest standards, earning admiration from international delegates.
Many world leaders reportedly marveled at the efficiency and quality of the project, with some speculating that it had been undertaken by foreign contractors.
However, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni proudly clarified that the Speke Convention Centre was constructed by a local firm owned by Sudhir Ruparelia, a testament to Uganda’s homegrown talent and resourcefulness.
Located within the expansive Speke Resort in Munyonyo, the convention center has since become a symbol of Uganda’s potential to compete on the global stage. Its modern amenities and capacity to accommodate thousands of guests have elevated Uganda’s status as a destination for international conferences and events.
During the Liberation Day celebrations, themed “39 Years of NRM/A: Salutation to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland,” Sudhir and Sheena will receive medals recognizing their contributions to the successful execution of the summits.
These honors not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlighted the collaborative efforts between the private sector and government in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
The successful hosting of the NAM and G77+China summits last year underscored Uganda’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and addressing issues of mutual concern among developing nations.
Sudhir and Sheena’s contributions to this success will be remembered as a shining example of Ugandan excellence and innovation.
