The public is warned against fake Artificial Intelligence AI generated content on billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia.

The scam that endorses a fraudulent business deal reportedly by Sudhir was exposed after the East African billionaire denied ever endorsing such a deal.

“It is a scam and AI generated. Let the public ignore it” the billionaire told Eagle Online.

The scam is the latest by fraudsters, which targets people if high reputation and companies. Previously, it has widely been used against politicians as the latest technology gains grounds but now shows scammers are abusing the app.

Why Sudhir

He is East African number one billionaire based on his individual investment as per Forbs rankings.

Sudhir further tops Uganda tax payers list on rent tax and has top of the range hotels like Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo and Kabira Country -Club that is being expanded and will soon open as East African biggest recreational centre among others.

He is a consular of the Republic of Nepal in Uganda.

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) will kick off the nationwide renewal and enrolment of individuals for National IDs this month (April). The process, which will run over the next several months, marks a key step in ensuring that every Ugandan citizen has access to proper identification.

Angella Bukirwa, the Manager of Human Resources at NIRA, revealed: “We are officially opening the renewal and enrollment process to the public,” she announces with confidence. This announcement is not just a formality; it’s the beginning of a mass mobilization effort aimed at reaching as many citizens as possible, particularly those who need to renew their expired IDs.

The mass renewal and enrollment service comes with an important distinction; it is entirely free for those renewing their IDs.

“This initiative ensures that this right is accessible to all, without the burden of financial barriers.” This marks a departure from previous initiatives where individuals had to pay fees for basic services, making the mass renewal process even more significant for Ugandans who may have previously been unable to afford the costs,” she noted.

While the renewal process is free, there are specific fees for services like lost, damaged, or altered IDs.

According to Bukirwa, these fees are laid out in the law and can also be found on the NIRA website for transparency. For those who have lost their IDs, the fee is UGX 50,000. If an ID is damaged, the fee increases to UGX 200,000, and if there is a need to change particulars, such as a name or address, the same fee applies. Payments for these services must be made at the bank, and a receipt is required as proof of payment.

As the government works to ensure inclusion in the National ID renewal, NIRA is taking an innovative approach by reaching out directly to local communities.

“This time, we are reaching out to the parishes for the first 10 months of this exercise,” Bukirwa explains.

This strategy ensures that even individuals in the most remote areas are given the opportunity to renew their IDs without having to travel to distant offices. NIRA’s offices will remain open beyond the initial outreach period, ensuring continued access to services for anyone who misses the initial window.

A key part of the success of this initiative is the more than 10,000 trained registration assistants NIRA has recruited. These assistants, who have been specially trained for the mass renewal exercise, are prepared to handle the large volume of people expected at registration centers. Their presence at local parishes will help streamline and accelerate the process, ensuring that the ID renewal is efficient and accessible for everyone.

As NIRA embarks on this journey to improve national identification, it is clear that the initiative is not just about renewing IDs—it’s about empowering Ugandans by giving them the tools for participation in both social and economic life. With proper identification, citizens are better positioned to access a variety of services, from voting and healthcare to opening bank accounts and applying for jobs. By removing financial barriers and reaching out directly to communities, NIRA is ensuring that the benefits of national identification are within reach for all Ugandans.

As the process unfolds, the people of Uganda stand to gain more than just a new ID card—they stand to gain greater inclusion in their country’s civic and economic life, thanks to NIRA’s ambitious, people-focused initiative. The mass renewal of National IDs is not just an administrative task; it is a vital step in advancing the rights and opportunities of every Ugandan citizen.

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Equity Group Holdings Plc continues to deliver solid financial results, underpinned by the Group’s strategic focus on diversification, innovation, and regional expansion. With strong liquidity, capital buffers, and robust regional businesses, the Group is poised to maintain its leadership position in the region and continue driving sustainable growth.

In Summary;
– Proposed dividend per share of Kshs 4.25, a payout ratio of 34.5%
– Earnings per share increased by 11% to Kshs 12.3
Asset quality improves by 100 basis points from Q1 2024 to Q4 2024.
– Profits after tax grew by 12% to Kshs 48.8 billion.
Regional operations contribute 49% of total assets and 54% of profit before tax.

While releasing the full year 2024 results, Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Holdings Plc Managing Director, and CEO said, “We are proud of the resilience demonstrated by the Group amidst a challenging global economic landscape. Our financial strength gives us the flexibility to seize opportunities as the regional economy presents diversified levers for growth. The Group’s liquidity and capital position remains strong, positioning us to better support our customers in the years ahead.”

In FY 2024, Equity Group Holdings Plc achieved a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Kshs 48.8 billion, reinforcing the continued success of the Group’s diversified business model and prudent financial management. The Group’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 17% to Kshs 60.7 billion, while Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 11% to Kshs 12.3, signifying the Group’s robust financial performance.

The Group’s total deposits grew to reach Kshs 1.4 trillion with the customer base growing to 21.6 million, showcasing the scale and reach of the deposit franchise. The Group’s liquidity position remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents rising by 19% to Kshs 345 billion, while investment securities grew to Kshs 512 billion, contributing to an overall liquidity ratio of 57%. This positions the Group to effectively underpin the Groups’ Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), a private sector led development plan championed by Equity aimed at catalyzing, capacitating, connecting, and financing enterprises and households across Africa. Beyond providing financial and technological tools, it empowers individuals, businesses, and communities through a clear framework for development, by building capabilities and mitigating risks, enabling them to leverage these tools effectively and efficiently to achieve their social, environmental, and economic ambitions.

The ARRP aspires to drive long-term transformation across the continent, relying on the support and active participation of diverse stakeholders. Strategic partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), global implementation partners, and social institutions have been instrumental in delivering a wide range of social and commercial outcomes with lasting, sustainable results. As part of these efforts, the Group has also partnered with AfDB, Microsoft and Mastercard Corporation to digitize 10 million farming customers under the Community Pass initiative for the delivery of the MADE Alliance, further enhancing financial inclusion and digital accessibility across Africa; and with the World Food Programme to further capacitate small-holder farmers into agribusiness. The Group demonstrated commitment to its shareholders by proposing a dividend of Kshs 4.25 per share,a payout ratio of 34.5%, reinforcing its track record of delivering value to its shareholders. This is supported by a return on equity (ROE) of 21.5% and a return on assets (ROA) of 2.8%, both of which are well above industry averages.

Equity Group has adopted a tri-engine approach, integrating commercial, social, and sustainability priorities to foster sustainable economic growth and create meaningful societal impact. The Group continues to build on its legacy of resilience, strong governance, long track record of execution, self-disruption, agility, and scalability of its business model to thrive in the different markets it operates in. It has continued to grow the value it creates for its customers and stakeholders, becoming a regional systemic financial services provider in position one or two in three of the six markets it operates in, Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda. The Group’s strategic focus on regional expansion and product diversification continues to drive growth with the Group’s regional subsidiaries contributing49% of total assets, 48% of total loans and 54%of profit before tax, further diversifying the revenue base. The Kenya subsidiary, while still a major contributor, accounted for 46% of total revenue. Equity Bank Rwanda revenue grew YoY by 36%, Tanzania by 20% and DRC by 9% while PAT for Equity Bank Rwanda grew by 30% YoY, Tanzania by 107%, Uganda 186% and DRC by 29%, signaling increasing contributions from regional operations. Equity Bank Kenya has in the past six months cut its base lending rate three times sending a clear signal of its intent to grow its loan book as the Kenya’s economy shows signs of recovery. The lowering of interest rates will reduce the cost of borrowing, offering businesses access to more affordable credit while for households it means increased disposable income thus stimulating consumer spending.

Due to the global operating environment characterized by unprecedented geopolitical shifts, the Group’s defensive and prudent approach to risk management was evident in its loan loss provisions, which amounted to Kshs 20.2 billion. The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio remained below industry average at 12.2%, significantly lower than the 16.4% published industry average. NPL coverage stands at 71%, reinforcing the Group’s strong asset quality.

The Life Assurance business continues to register impressive performance with YoY Profit before tax growing by 58% to Kshs 1.5 billion from Kshs 934 million. Further, the robust strategy for investment of policyholder funds resulted in a gross declared return of 13.5%, signaling Equity’s Group capabilities to provide value to the over 14 million policies issued since inception in March 2022.

With an eye on long-term value creation, the Group’s acquisition of a general insurance license, in addition to its existing life assurance license, marked an exciting milestone. This move enhances the Group’s ability to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions ensuring that customers across all segments; corporate, SME, and retail, can access integrated solutions that protect their life, health, and wealth.

“As we continue to expand our financial services ecosystem, our Bancassurance unit remains a vital component of our growth strategy. The 6% increase in premium collections, despite the current market challenges, underscores the unit’s potential. To unlock further growth, we invested heavily in the unit’s repositioning, focusing on talent development, digital transformation, and process enhancements. This medium-to long-term strategy will allow us to deliver a more integrated, customer-centric experience, where insurance is a key layer in our customers’ overall financial well-being. Encouragingly, our insurance premium financing solution has seen a significant 50% increase in uptake, reflecting our dedication to supporting customers through uncertain times as they prioritize protecting their health, life and assets,” said Dr. Mwangi.

As part of its ongoing transformation, Equity Group has continued to invest in technology, infrastructure, and diversification. The Group has modernized its digital channels, which now process 86% of all transactions, enabling customers to access a seamless, digital first experience. Furthermore, ONE Equity, the Group’s integrated digital platform, allows customers to access a wide range of products and services under a single umbrella, enhancing cross-selling and customer engagement.

The value of business processed through Equity Mobile YoY increased by 67% from Kshs 1.895 trillion to Kshs 3.174 trillion while Equity Online for business (EazzyBiz) increased by 21% from Kshs 3.165 trillion to Kshs 3.841 trillion and the interoperable Pay With Equity (PWE) for merchants increased by 14% from Kshs 1.884 trillion to Kshs 2.149 trillion, ATM increased by 21% from Kshs 398.6 billion to Kshs 481.4 billion as customers and Kenyans embraced the newly introduced Cash Deposit Machines to ease the pain for businesses looking to access their cash after banking hours while Branches are evolving to be more SME, large enterprises and corporates focused, with transaction volumes increasing by 21% from Kshs 4.176 trillion to Kshs 5.046 trillion.

Brand Finance ranked the Bank as the 2^nd strongest banking brand in the world in 2024 and as the most valuable brand in East and Central Africa its value rising to USD 450 million (KES 64 billion). In all franchise segments, Equity Bank has been a front runner, emerging as the best bank in several categories according to Think Business Banking awards. The Bank earned top honors, including recognition as the Best Bank, Best in Digital Banking, Best in Trade Financing, Best in Agriculture and Livestock financing, Best in Product Innovation, and Best in SME Banking, among others. Equity Group’s insurance arm was also celebrated as the Best Insurance Provider, while its investment services were recognized for excellence in Wealth Management. These accolades reflect Equity Bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership across diverse financial services, solidifying its position as a market leader.

The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) continues to make a significant impact, with 113 scholars having received full scholarships to pursue university education in top global universities. The program has already produced over 970 global scholars on full scholarship distributed across various sectors, having attended 233 different universities in 37 countries and 6 continents. 204 scholars have attended the Ivy League universities, contributing to the region’s human capital development. The ELP program recently admitted a new cohort of 750 scholars into the pre-university internship program, bringing the total number of ELP scholars supported by the Group to date to 29,515. Cumulatively, the program has facilitated 9,700 paid internships and provided opportunities for 3,979 TVET scholars.

The Group remains a leader in climate action, having planted over 35 million trees and extended more than USD 200 million in climate finance to support climate resilience initiatives. In promoting the clean energy transition, Equity Group Foundation has championed the distribution of 466,975 clean energy products to households and institutions. Equity’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its focus on nature restoration and its adoption of the Taskforce for Nature Finance Disclosure (TNFD) and African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) frameworks. International Finance Corporation, IFC, ranked the Group the global leader with the highest number of climate related transactions among 258 institutions worldwide.

In promoting economic empowerment, 2,477,358 women and youth received training in financial education with 634,059 MSMEs receiving capacity building in entrepreneurship. Under the Young Africa Works Program, Kshs 340.8B has been disbursed to 323,303 MSMEs.

The Group’s social protection programs have reached 5.79 million individuals, with Kshs 164.2B disbursed via cash transfers. In health, the Equity Afya Clinics have cumulatively recorded 3,343,889 patient visits across 132 outpatient medical centers. This holistic approach underscores Equity Group’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving livelihoods across the region.

Dr. Mwangi concluded “Equity Group remains committed to driving positive change. Our focus on financial inclusion, regional expansion, and sustainable growth will enable us to continue being a catalyst for economic empowerment and resilience across Africa. As we move forward, we remain optimistic about the future and will continue to leverage our strengths to create long-term value and impact for our customers and shareholders.”

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UNICEF has launched a comprehensive assistance programme designed to support vulnerable girls’ secondary education in the West Nile, Lango and the Acholi sub regions of Uganda.

The contribution, which will see 5,000 vulnerable girls in secondary schools supported to complete their education through a Cashplus Programme for Girls in Secondary School, is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNICEF.

The Cashplus is part of the wider Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) programme. The G4DU programme aims to provide education opportunities for girls who face significant economic and social barriers that hinder their completion of education.

The beneficiaries of the Cashplus programme are from the districts of Adjumani, Yumbe, Lamwo, Nebbi, Oyam, Madi-Okollo, and Kitgum. These girls will attend government-supported Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools and will also receive critical financial assistance to complete their education.

The G4DU programme is the largest European Union and Team Europe flagship initiative in Uganda, with a total budget of Euros 85 million disbursed to different partners in Uganda. The G4DU programme encompasses multiple strategies to enhance girls’ educational opportunities (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and school infrastructures, training of teachers, school management and governance) and UNICEF is one out of four implementing partners of the programme. The other three are Enabel, KfW and the Spotlight Initiative.

“This is a concrete expression of our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development. It is an opportunity to invest in the potential of Ugandan girls, support their education and empowerment, and contribute to more resilient and equitable communities,” said EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek.

” We aim to support the government to ensure that girls continue and complete their education and thereby empower them to break cycles of poverty, and prevailing gender inequality. It is critical in preventing the risk of teenage pregnancies, a major risk to young girls in Uganda, and in realising their full potential, and becoming agents of change in their communities,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.

The programme is strategically designed to address multiple barriers to education. Each household will receive support every school-term with additional support for girls with disabilities. This financial support covers various educational needs, including school fees, scholastic materials, and other essential expenses.

Beneficiary selection involved a rigorous six-month assessment process, targeting both national and refugee girls who completed Primary 7 and passed the 2024 Primary Leaving Exams. The programme will provide continuous support from 2025 to 2028, ensuring girls can complete their secondary education without interruption.

Beyond financial aid, the assistance programme for girls in secondary school offers comprehensive support including: Personalised mentorship for girls and their families, Guidance on the importance of education and Community engagement to create a supportive learning environment.
In this G4DU partnership, UNICEF will leverage EU’s contribution of Euros 23 million and provide: Performance-based school grants, Support for children with disabilities and child mothers, Accelerated education programmes, 21st Century skills training, Early childhood care and development services and Social behavioural change interventions.

By addressing financial barriers and providing holistic support, this programme represents a critical investment in Uganda’s future, ensuring that vulnerable girls can complete their education and pursue their dreams.

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Wazesha Impact has awarded certificates to 400 returned migrants who completed their entrepreneurship training.
The graduates have been undergoing business upskilling through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Project supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UK government and Finance Trust Bank.
The 400 graduates are returnees from the Middle East who worked there but were unable to save or did not achieve the success they had planned then returned financially constrained.
The majority of the graduates are young people who returned under difficult circumstances, including deportation. They were awarded certificates on March 28, 2025, at Nsambya Sharing Hotel.
Graduates expressed their heartfelt gratitude toward Wazesha for the initiative, describing it as a game-changer.
Wanyana Nives shared that the training has equipped her with valuable business skills, allowing her to earn money after facing significant setbacks while in Dubai.
“I traveled to Dubai on a visit visa, but when it expired, my attempt to renew it failed. As a result, I had to leave my waitress job and was eventually deported. During my time there, I had sent my mother UGX 3 million as savings, which was all I had left. However, I was shocked to learn that she had used the money,” she recalled.
Similarly, Mildred Mwebaza expressed deep gratitude for the project, describing it as a lifesaver. She also shared her own experience: “I traveled to Turkey after securing a job as a kindergarten teacher, but upon arrival, I was forced into domestic work, a position I couldn’t manage. I refused the job and returned home. It affected me greatly because I didn’t achieve what I had hoped for,” she said.
In his keynote address to the graduates, Solomon Kayiwa Mugambe, the Executive Director of Wezesha Impact, highlighted that many youth who travel abroad in search of better opportunities often return home without having achieved their goals.
“They come back and have to start from scratch because they either made no investments or failed to save while abroad,” he said.
“This is exactly what the project aims to address—restoring hope and helping these individuals rebuild their lives for a better future,” he added.
Andrew Mukulu, the ILO Chief Technical Advisor, encouraged the graduates to pursue entrepreneurship, noting that many are hesitant to start their own businesses due to the fear of making losses. However, he emphasized that entrepreneurship is one of the key ways to regain financial stability.
The BRMM project focuses on improving employment services and supporting the socio-economic reintegration of returned migrants through entrepreneurship training. Utilizing the ILO’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programs, the project seeks to equip beneficiaries with essential business management skills, aiming for 70% to achieve sustainable livelihoods through wage or self-employment.
Wezesha Impact is dedicated to equipping youth in Africa with the skills, tools, and networks necessary for productive and fulfilling work, ensuring that all youth in Africa thrive socially and economically.

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