KAMPALA .Property magnet Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry during the World Tourism Day National celebrations.
The event was held in Arua City.
Dr Sudhir, who is also the chairperson of Speke Group and Ruparelia Group, received a golden flamingo trophy in recognition of his transformative contributions to wildlife preservation, eco-tourism, and the hospitality sector from Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who presided over the national event at Arua City Golf Course on September 27, 2025.
In her keynote remarks, Nabbanja commended the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for positioning tourism at the centre of national development. She praised the people of Arua and the West Nile region for their hospitality, cultural vibrance, and meticulous organisation of the celebrations, which ran under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The Prime Minister also welcomed delegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, underscoring Arua’s strategic role as a gateway to cross-border tourism and cultural exchange. She hailed the private sector, led by investors like Sudhir, for their pivotal role in national economic growth.
Sudhir’s recognition stems from decades of impact in Uganda’s tourism landscape. Under his leadership, conservation projects have revitalised national parks, safeguarded endangered species, and boosted eco-tourism.
His initiatives have drawn international attention while empowering local communities through sustainable development. “His vision has set a global standard,” a senior tourism official remarked, highlighting Sudhir’s balance of environmental stewardship with tourism expansion.
Sudhir reaffirmed his commitment to Uganda’s natural heritage, pledging continued investment in tourism, hospitality, and conservation programmes to cement the country’s status as a premier global destination.