Mubende, Uganda – Ugandan billionaire and philanthropist Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his daughter, Sheena Ruparelia, are set to receive national recognition for their instrumental role in the success of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits hosted in Uganda last year.

The awards will be presented by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during the national celebrations commemorating 39 years of the NRM/A liberation struggle on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the National Teachers’ College in Mubende District.

Dr. Ruparelia, chairman of the Ruparelia Group of Companies, and his daughter Sheena were pivotal in ensuring Uganda’s readiness to host these high-profile international summits.

The group’s Speke Resort Munyonyo, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, and Speke Resort Convention Centre served as the primary venues for the events, earning praise from international delegates for their world-class facilities and strategic location.

Building Uganda’s Global Image

The landmark Speke Convention Centre, constructed in partnership with the Government of Uganda, emerged as the centrepiece of the summits.

Dr. Ruparelia spearheaded the project, while Sheena supervised its construction with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the facility met global standards.

The project’s quality drew admiration from foreign dignitaries, many of whom assumed it had been built by an international contractor.

President Museveni was quick to clarify that the convention centre was a product of Ugandan talent and resourcefulness under Dr. Ruparelia’s leadership.

“The Speke Convention Centre symbolises what Ugandans can achieve with vision, commitment, and patriotism,” the President remarked during a prior event.

Honours for Outstanding Contributions

As a gesture of appreciation for their efforts, the President will award Dr. Ruparelia and Sheena with liberation medals during the Mubende celebrations. This is not the first time the billionaire has been recognised for his contributions to Uganda’s development. In 2013, President Museveni honoured him for his contributions to the industrial and business sectors.

Dr. Ruparelia, listed by Forbes among Africa’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth exceeding $1.2 billion, has built a diversified empire spanning banking, insurance, education, media, hospitality, property development, and floriculture.

His investments have played a critical role in Uganda’s socio-economic growth.

The NAM and G77+China summits marked a milestone in Uganda’s diplomatic history, positioning the nation as a preferred destination for international conferences. The convention centre at Speke Resort Munyonyo has since become a beacon of Uganda’s potential on the global stage.

Celebrating Uganda’s Liberation

This year’s national celebrations are themed “39 Years of NRM/A: Salutations to Those Who Re-Sanctified Our Homeland,” reflecting on the country’s achievements under the NRM government.

As Uganda honours individuals like Dr. Ruparelia and Sheena, the awards underscore the critical role of private sector players in advancing national development and enhancing the country’s global reputation.