Ugandan businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is all smiles after the East Africa Book of Records Secretariat days ago awarded him the East Africa Leadership Business Award 2018, in ceremony held at Kabira Country Club in Kampala. Ruparelia is the founder and Chairman of Ruparelia Group of Companies.
Simon Kamau, the Executive Secretary; East Africa Book of Records Secretariat, while addressing guests at the Award attended the ceremony said Ruparelia’s experience in business leadership and his inspiration of many people in the East African region made him win the coveted prize.
Kamau said Ruparelia’s success in business and entrepreneurship shoots from his humble life but that also has a great vision for his enterprises that employee a considerable number of Ugandans hence giving them a livelihood.
“Dr Sudhir has invested in a wide range of income generating business ventures which range from: Agro processing, Hotels, insurance, Banking, Education and Real Estates development among others”, he said.
Captain Mike Mukula, who was the guest of honour, lauded Ruparelia, saying he is a self-made entrepreneur, who built his business empire from a humble beginning.
“Munyonyo Resort Hotel, which belongs to Sudhir hosted the Queen of England and 53 Heads of States, during the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting, which pride is attributed to Sudhir’s business success,” Mukula said, adding that very few hotels in the world have hosted the Queen.
Captain Mukula felt sorry that Crane Bank was sold by the Bank of Uganda in 2017. He said: “Crane Bank will live in the hearts of Ugandan People. Crane Forex Bureau was among earliest Forex Bureaus in Uganda, which helped to facilitate Ugandan business community”
In his acceptance speech, Ruparelia appreciated said: “I take credit for this achievement. I would not be here where I am. I dedicate this achievement to President Museveni, for ushering in a favourable investment environment and supporting the private sector.”
The businessman dedicated the award to his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia and his business partners for the support they have rendered him over the years.