KAMPALA, Uganda — Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has called for greater recognition of the role private investment plays in Uganda’s economic development, arguing that businesses should be assessed by the jobs, production and revenue they generate.
Dr Ruparelia, the chairman of Ruparelia Group, made the remarks during a discussion at Crane Chambers, where he reflected on the contribution of private enterprise to Uganda’s economy and the evolution of his business interests over the years.
He said investment by Ugandans of Asian origin has contributed significantly to employment, industrial activity, property development, hospitality, education and other sectors of the economy.
Rather than viewing businesses owned by different communities as competing for limited opportunities, Dr Ruparelia said attention should be placed on the economic value created through investment.
“I’m employing over ten thousand people,” he said, citing employment as one measure of the contribution made by his businesses.
Private sector and jobs
Uganda continues to face pressure to create sufficient employment opportunities for its growing population, particularly for young people entering the labour market.
Dr Ruparelia said businesses have an important role to play in addressing the challenge by expanding operations and investing in sectors capable of creating sustainable employment.
The Ruparelia Group has interests in real estate, hospitality, education, floriculture and leisure, among other areas.
According to Dr Ruparelia, the scale of such enterprises requires the participation of professionals with specialised skills, creating employment while also building capacity within the workforce.
He said the private sector should therefore be viewed as a partner in national development rather than simply as a source of commercial activity.
Taxes and national revenue
Dr Ruparelia also highlighted tax compliance as a central responsibility of businesses operating in Uganda.
“As a citizen of the country, it is my obligation to pay taxes,” he said.
He cited tax payments from businesses associated with the Ruparelia Group, including value-added tax and other statutory obligations.
He said one of the group’s companies pays approximately Shs2.5 billion in VAT each month, while his real estate businesses contribute more than Shs12 billion in taxes, alongside between Shs9 billion and Shs10 billion in VAT.
He noted that these figures do not cover the group’s entire tax contribution, which includes other statutory payments such as withholding taxes and employee-related deductions.
Tax revenue remains critical to government efforts to finance public services, infrastructure and development programmes.
Management beyond ownership
Dr Ruparelia attributed the durability of his business interests partly to professional management and delegation.
He said large enterprises cannot depend entirely on the decisions of an individual owner and require qualified professionals to manage different operations.
In the education sector, for example, he said school administrators should concentrate on academic and institutional performance while financial professionals handle accounting, budgeting and controls.
The approach, he said, allows business owners to concentrate on strategic direction while specialised teams manage day-to-day operations.
Investing in production
The businessman also pointed to increased local production as an important indicator of Uganda’s changing economy.
He said investment in manufacturing and other productive sectors can help create employment while reducing reliance on imported goods.
According to Dr Ruparelia, the increased presence of locally manufactured products in shops and supermarkets demonstrates that Uganda’s productive capacity has expanded over time.
He said sustaining that trend would require continued investment, supportive policies and an environment in which businesses can expand.
A changing economy
Dr Ruparelia’s reflections come as Uganda continues to pursue economic transformation through industrialisation, private-sector development and increased domestic production.
The government has repeatedly emphasised the need to move the economy towards higher-value production, expand the tax base and create more employment opportunities.
For private investors, the operating environment remains central to decisions on whether to establish new enterprises, expand existing businesses or invest in productive sectors.
Dr Ruparelia said entrepreneurs who remain committed to their areas of investment can build enterprises that survive beyond individual business cycles.
He attributed part of his own longevity in business to maintaining an interest in the sectors in which he operates.
“When you enjoy doing something, then you’re doing it with passion,” he said.
Remembering Rajiv
The discussion also reflected on the legacy of Dr Ruparelia’s late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who was involved in business and philanthropic activities before his death.
Dr Ruparelia described his son as a dynamic entrepreneur whose work continues to be remembered by people within Uganda’s business and philanthropic circles.
Rajiv is scheduled to be honoured posthumously on August 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo by the Pan African Pyramid for his contribution to philanthropy and community development.
As Uganda seeks to expand its productive economy, Dr Ruparelia’s remarks underline the connection between private enterprise and national development.
Investment, he said, should ultimately translate into jobs, production, tax revenue and opportunities that benefit the wider economy.