Ugandan business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has unveiled a state-of-the-art barge designed to service his newly completed Paradise Island Resort on Lake Victoria, a move that underscores his commitment to pairing luxury tourism with innovative infrastructure.
The custom-built barge, described as a “floating lifeline,” will facilitate the smooth transportation of supplies, logistics, and essential goods to and from the 19-acre eco-luxury resort. Unlike traditional workboats, this vessel has been engineered for resilience, efficiency, and capacity, making it a crucial addition to operations on the secluded island.
“Running a high-end property on a private island requires consistency and reliability. This barge ensures our guests will never experience service interruptions, no matter the demands of running a modern resort,” a manager at the Ruparelia Group explained.
Paradise Island Resort, whose construction that began in 2021, is already being hailed as one of Uganda’s most ambitious hospitality projects.
Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Speke Resort Munyonyo, the property offers a blend of exclusivity and natural charm. The resort features 10 Standard cottages, 11 Cliff-Hanger cottages perched dramatically on rocks, 14 Deluxe two-bedroom cottages, and 3 opulent Executive Villas, all integrated seamlessly into the island’s rocky, bird-rich landscape.
With Lake Victoria’s vast waters creating logistical challenges for construction and day-to-day operations, the new barge is expected to significantly cut supply chain costs while maintaining the resort’s eco-luxury standards. Its flat-bottomed design allows it to carry heavy loads—ranging from food and beverages to luxury amenities—without compromising safety or environmental sustainability.
For Dr. Ruparelia, the barge represents more than convenience; it is part of a broader strategy to redefine Uganda’s tourism experience. The billionaire has consistently reinvested in the country through landmark projects in hospitality, education, banking, and real estate, but Paradise Island Resort has already stood out as a crown jewel.
“This is not just about building a resort. It’s about elevating Uganda’s image as a world-class destination and ensuring the infrastructure matches the experience,” a tourism industry insider remarked.
As Paradise Island Resort welcomes its first wave of visitors, the unveiling of the barge highlights the lengths to which the Ruparelia Group is willing to go to guarantee an unmatched guest experience. It also signals a new era for luxury hospitality on Lake Victoria, where innovation, exclusivity, and sustainability converge.
