The East Africa Book of Records Secretariat on Friday handed over to Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder and Chairman of Ruparelia Group of Companies, the East Africa Leadership Business Award 2018, in a colourful ceremony at Kabira Country Club, in Kampala.
Simon Kamau, the Executive Secretary; East Africa Book of Records Secretariat, while addressing guests at the Award handover ceremony said: “Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia was voted the East African Business Leader of the year 2018, because his experience in Business Leadership has inspired many people in the East African region”.
He said Ruparelia’s success in business and entrepreneurship stems from his being a humble person with a great vision.
“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.
The guest of honour, Captain Mike Mukula, hailed Sudhir for being a self-made entrepreneur, who built business institutions from a humble beginning. He said very few hotels in the world have had the chance to host Queen of England; Elizabeth 11.
"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”.
On the collapse of Sudhir’s Crane Bank, Mukula 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 speech Sudhir appreciated the award and 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”.
He also dedicated the award to his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia and his business partners, saying: “Without their support, the achievement would not be possible."
