By Annet Kobusingye
Uganda’s leading businessman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, was the Guest of Honor at the “Meet the CEO” event hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU) on September 24 at Kabira Country Club. The evening also marked the chamber’s first anniversary in Uganda, bringing together business leaders, diplomats, and investors to celebrate a year of fostering collaboration between French and Ugandan enterprises.
While the FCCU highlighted its progress in building bridges between the two business communities, the spotlight of the night was firmly on Dr. Ruparelia, whose entrepreneurial journey has become a regional symbol of determination and success.
In his keynote address, Uganda’s wealthiest businessman traced his path from humble beginnings to building a multi-sector empire spanning real estate, education, hospitality, and finance. He emphasized resilience, strategic risk-taking, and long-term vision as the pillars of his success — a message that resonated deeply with the audience. His enterprises not only employ thousands of Ugandans but also contribute significantly to the country’s tax base, making him one of Uganda’s most consistent top taxpayers.
FCCU Vice President Jean-Philippe Bittencourt praised Dr. Ruparelia for championing initiatives that promote cross-border collaboration. “Having role models like Dr. Ruparelia is critical for inspiring both French and Ugandan entrepreneurs to aim higher,” he said, applauding the chamber’s rapid growth and signaling more opportunities for trade partnerships.
French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Véronique Leroy, also addressed the gathering, encouraging businesses to “make good noise” about Uganda’s growing opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment. She underscored Uganda’s strategic position as an emerging investment hub in East Africa and urged stronger engagement from European companies exploring African markets.
The choice of Kabira Country Club — part of the Ruparelia Group — as the venue was fitting, reflecting the group’s commitment to providing world-class facilities in Uganda and underscoring Dr. Ruparelia’s influence in the country’s business ecosystem.
Beyond the celebration, the event reinforced FCCU’s mission to connect businesses of all sizes, promote trade, and encourage knowledge-sharing across borders. Attendees agreed that the participation of high-profile business leaders like Dr. Ruparelia adds credibility and momentum to such initiatives.
For many, the highlight of the evening was hearing directly from a man whose story represents both perseverance and possibility. As Uganda positions itself as a regional investment magnet, partnerships between local giants like the Ruparelia Group and international networks such as the FCCU are expected to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Though the FCCU is just one year old, its presence is already making waves in Uganda’s business community — and with voices like Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s championing resilience and vision, its influence is set to grow even stronger.