As Uganda celebrates Labour Day 2025, it is important to honour the contributions of individuals who have made significant strides in creating employment and supporting the national economy.
Among the most outstanding of these is Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, who has become a cornerstone of private sector employment in Uganda.
Dr. Sudhir’s enterprises directly employ over 10000 Ugandans across multiple sectors including real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, agriculture, and media. More impressively, his business operations are estimated to indirectly support over 100000 Ugandans through service providers, suppliers, and contractors. In a country where youth unemployment remains a major concern, these figures place Sudhir among the most influential job creators in the private sector.
The Ruparelia Group, a Ugandan-founded conglomerate, has grown from humble beginnings to become one of East Africa’s most diversified business entities. Its flagship companies include Meera Investments, Crane Management Services, Speke Group of Hotels, Premier Roses, Rosebud Ltd, Victoria University, and Kampala Parents’ School, among others.
In real estate, Meera Investments owns over 400 properties, making Dr. Sudhir the single largest private property owner in Kampala. These properties house thousands of businesses, shops, offices, and residences — all generating rental income, creating jobs, and stimulating the urban economy.
In hospitality, his establishments such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Forest Cottages, and Speke Apartments are not only top-tier tourist destinations but also major employers of chefs, cleaners, security personnel, receptionists, event staff, and more.
His contributions to education are equally noteworthy. Victoria University continues to attract both local and international students, offering scholarships and training that empower Uganda’s future workforce. Kampala Parents’ School and Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) are among the country’s best-performing institutions.
Beyond job creation, Dr. Sudhir’s companies are among the highest taxpayers in the private sector. Through VAT, PAYE, corporate taxes, NSSF contributions, and local government fees, the Ruparelia Group remits billions of shillings annually to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
His flower export businesses — Rosebud Ltd and Premier Roses — are also key foreign exchange earners, contributing significantly to Uganda’s export portfolio. In addition to employing thousands of rural workers, these ventures have positioned Uganda as a competitive global player in floriculture.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s success is deeply rooted in Uganda. Unlike many who export their wealth, he continues to reinvest in the country — constructing buildings, starting new businesses, expanding existing ones, and maintaining a firm belief in Uganda’s potential.
On this Labour Day, as the nation honours workers, we must also recognize the visionaries behind job creation. Dr. Sudhir’s 10000+ direct jobs are not just numbers — they represent families fed, dreams fulfilled, and a nation growing.
He is indeed a pillar of private sector employment in Uganda — and a true patriot of enterprise.
