Kampala – In a major vote of confidence for private sector–driven diplomacy, renowned Ugandan businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has been recognised as the country’s top Honorary Consul General for his outstanding efforts in deepening Uganda–Nepal relations. The recognition, announced by Public Opinions, follows an extensive three-month nationwide survey that highlighted his role in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural partnerships.
Ruparelia was appointed in February 2020 by Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and later presented his credentials to then–Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Sam Kutesa in March of the same year. Since establishing the Nepalese consulate at Crane Chambers in Kampala, he has turned it into a thriving centre for networking and bilateral engagement.
One of the survey respondents described him as a bridge-builder, saying, “Sudhir inspires many people, and we appreciate his work in strengthening the connection between Uganda and Nepal.”
As the founder of the Ruparelia Group, a vast enterprise with over 200 investments in real estate, hospitality, education, and insurance, he has helped create new export channels for Ugandan products, supported job placements for Ugandans abroad, and overseen major cultural events such as the annual Nepal Constitution Day celebrations in Uganda. His education scholarships have further nurtured academic ties between the two nations, while his influence has opened wider economic and political dialogue.
Ruparelia’s own story is rooted in perseverance. Born in Kasese to a Gujarati family, he was expelled during Idi Amin’s expulsion of Asians in 1972. He later returned to Uganda in 1985 and rebuilt his fortune, eventually establishing a business empire now valued at more than US$4 billion, with landmark ventures including Speke Resorts, Victoria University, and Sanyu FM.
He is also an honorary Doctor of Laws recipient and was previously named the 2019 Uganda Development Champion. His new accolade secures him a place in the 2025 Uganda Development Champions Journal, recognising him as a key figure in Uganda’s modern diplomatic landscape.
The award also highlights the increasing importance of honorary consuls in advancing Uganda’s Vision 2040 development agenda. As Public Opinions opens nominations for its 2025/2026 journal, Ruparelia’s achievements offer a strong example of how strategic private sector leadership can strengthen international cooperation—particularly across the Global South.
