Author: KATAMA COPRIAN

Ruparelia Group Chairman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has underscored the important role Ugandan entrepreneurs of Asian descent play in the country’s economic development, pointing to job creation, investment, industrial growth and tax contributions as some of their major contributions. Speaking during a discussion at Crane Chambers, Ruparelia said his business group employs more than 10,000 Ugandans through its operations in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, education, floriculture and leisure. He argued that businesses owned by Ugandans of Asian origin should be regarded as important participants in the country’s economic progress rather than as competitors for employment. According to Ruparelia, the…

JINJA — Civil society organisations and child-rights advocates are calling on the Ugandan government to increase funding for the prevention and response to sexual violence against children, warning that laws and policies will have little impact if they are not supported by adequate financial resources. The call was made during a three-day retreat in Jinja organised by World Vision Uganda in partnership with the Joining Forces Coalition. The meeting brought together more than 30 stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring that sexual violence against children (SVAC) receives greater attention in Uganda’s 2027/28 national budget. Participants included representatives from the Uganda…

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s entrepreneurial journey offers an example of how locally owned businesses can contribute to Africa’s broader economic development. After returning to Uganda following years away from the country, he gradually built a diversified business group whose companies now operate across several sectors and provide employment and services to thousands of people. However, Ruparelia’s vision extends beyond the Ugandan market. He has advocated for deeper African integration, including greater freedom of movement through a common African passport and, ultimately, the adoption of a single continental currency. His argument is that Africa’s economic potential remains constrained when people and businesses…

A Kakamega family has been plunged into unimaginable grief after tragedy struck twice in the space of just a few hours, claiming the lives of a mother and the son she had just laid to rest.The heartbreaking incident unfolded after the grieving mother, identified as Joan Bandi, gathered enough strength to attend her son’s funeral and bid him a final farewell. Despite the overwhelming pain, Joan stood before mourners and delivered a speech at the burial ceremony, speaking about the child she had raised and loved. Those present described her as composed as she faced one of the most painful moments…

A Uganda Prisons Service officer identified as Sunday Serugo is reported to have secretly ended his life after allegedly battling depression, leaving behind an emotional note addressed to his wife before his disappearance. According to information shared by people close to the matter, Serugo left a message asking his wife to remain strong and continue taking care of their child despite the difficult situation.In the letter, Serugo reportedly told his wife that although he would be away forever, she should stay strong and focus on raising their child. He also reportedly instructed her to use the little savings he had…

Bantwal: A tragic incident unfolded in Badagundi village under the jurisdiction of the Bantwal Rural Police Station on Thursday morning, where the bodies of a husband and his pregnant wife were discovered inside their home. The deceased have been identified as Timmappa Moolya (50) and his wife Jayanti (40). According to police sources, Timmappa was found hanging, suggesting suicide, while Jayanti was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Reports indicate that Jayanti’s body was found lying on the bed, while Timmappa had allegedly died by suicide using a rope. The couple had been married for 15 years and had no children…

A 13-year-old girl, identified as Precious Mbabazi, has tragically died after allegedly being assaulted by a woman known only as Maama Dino, a resident of Ntaraga Village in Ruteete Sub- County, Kagadi District.It is alleged that the suspect, Maama Dino, accused the young girl of stealing ten thousand shillings. Reports indicate that Mbabazi was among five children who were washing clothes at Maama Dino’s home when the money reportedly went missing. Upon returning home and finding her money missing, the suspect allegedly accused Mbabazi and beat her severely. The mother of the deceased, Arice Janet, said her daughter went missing…

The story of Sudhir Ruparelia’s transformation from a young returnee into one of Uganda’s leading businessmen closely tracks the broader growth of the country’s private sector. His holdings today stretch across real estate, hospitality, education, agriculture, and financial services. Under the umbrella of the Ruparelia Group, he has assembled a wide-ranging portfolio that ranks him among Uganda’s most recognizable homegrown investors, with operations touching several industries that are vital to the national economy. His entrepreneurial path started when he came back to Uganda in the 1980s, a period when the nation was still recovering from years of political turmoil and…

Popular young singer Felista Da Superstar has shared how a chance opportunity to perform in front of the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia became a major turning point in her life, eventually earning her a fully funded education at Kampala Parents’ School. Felista opened up about the experience during an interview with Andrew Iumba Katusabe on The Pan African Pyramid Show, where she recalled the challenges she faced before receiving the scholarship. At the time, the young singer was enrolled at another primary school but regularly struggled to remain in class because her family could not consistently raise the required school…

The late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia is set to receive a posthumous Humanitarian Award at this year’s Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards, in recognition of his contribution to philanthropy, youth empowerment and social development in Uganda and beyond. The honour will be presented during the 9th Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards and 12th Anniversary Dinner, scheduled for August 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. According to a statement issued through the Office of the Speaker, the Pan-African Pyramid Awards Committee unanimously selected Rajiv for the recognition because of his involvement in initiatives supporting education, healthcare, sports and vulnerable communities. The…