Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly thanked city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia for endorsing him as Uganda’s next President in 2031.
In a brief message shared on X (formerly Twitter) after the endorsement, Muhoozi described the billionaire businessman as a person who has consistently shown him love and support over the years.
Muhoozi also extended his gratitude to businessman Kirumira, saying their support would not be forgotten.
“I thank my big brothers Kirumira and Sudhir. Thank you for the love you have always shown me. I will not forget it,” Muhoozi said.
Sudhir’s endorsement has been described as one of the Patriotic League of Uganda’s (PLU) most significant endorsements from the country’s business elite as the movement intensifies preparations for Muhoozi’s anticipated 2031 presidential bid.
The PLU administration welcomed Ruparelia’s declaration, saying it reflected confidence in Muhoozi’s leadership, vision and commitment to Uganda’s future.
“Thank you Mr Sudhir Ruparelia for joining our cause and endorsing Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the next President of Uganda,” the PLU administration said.
The movement added that Sudhir’s backing was more than a personal endorsement, calling it a powerful expression of confidence in Muhoozi’s vision of building a stronger, more prosperous and patriotic Uganda.
Sudhir, chairman of the Ruparelia Group, is Uganda’s wealthiest businessman, with investments spanning real estate, hospitality, education, insurance, broadcasting and other sectors. His endorsement carries weight because of his longstanding public association with Muhoozi’s initiatives rather than being a sudden political declaration.
Earlier this year, the Ruparelia Foundation contributed Shs100 million to Muhoozi’s Run for Hope campaign, one of the largest private sector donations to the charity initiative. Sudhir also personally participated in the run at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds alongside thousands of participants, senior government officials and business leaders.
Unlike many corporate figures who prefer to remain behind the scenes, Sudhir completed the charity run in sports attire, an appearance that drew widespread public attention and reinforced his visible support for Muhoozi’s activities.
The two have also shared public platforms at several national events over the years, while Speke Resort Munyonyo, one of the Ruparelia Group’s flagship properties, has regularly hosted major government conferences and national gatherings attended by Muhoozi.
The relationship between the two families has also been reflected in Muhoozi’s friendship with the late Rajiv Ruparelia, Sudhir’s only son and the former Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group.
Rajiv, who was admired for his passion for business and motorsport, was frequently seen interacting with Muhoozi during charity events and public engagements. His death in a road crash in May 2025 shocked the country, with Muhoozi joining thousands of mourners in paying tribute to him as a close friend whose energy and patriotism had inspired many young Ugandans.
Sudhir’s endorsement comes as PLU steps up nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2031 elections. The movement has launched a countrywide campaign across Uganda’s 146 districts to collect endorsements and mobilise millions of signatures in support of Muhoozi’s expected presidential candidacy.
