Businessman and philanthropist Sudhir Ruparelia has been assigned a Patriotic Officer number by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), placing him among a new group of prominent Ugandans recognised by the organisation.
According to a notice issued by PLU General Secretary Fadil Twalla, Dr Ruparelia has been assigned PO/198.
The notice lists 118 people who have been designated Patriotic Officers, with the numbers running from PO/183 to PO/300.
The newly designated officers include politicians, businesspeople, religious figures and other public personalities.
Among those listed are Minister Sarah Nakawuki, who has been assigned PO/195; Herbert Tom Kinoberе (PO/202); Dr Gilbert Tuhaire (PO/229); Prophet Vincent Museveni (PO/243); and former vice president Gilbert Bukenya (PO/300).
The notice congratulates the new officers and calls on them to serve with diligence, loyalty and commitment to PLU and Uganda.
Dr Ruparelia’s designation comes days after he publicly expressed support for Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s anticipated 2031 presidential bid.
Gen Muhoozi, who chairs PLU, thanked Dr Ruparelia for the support in a message posted on X.
The development adds to the businessman’s growing public association with activities linked to Gen Muhoozi and PLU.
Earlier this year, the Ruparelia Foundation contributed Shs100 million towards Gen Muhoozi’s Run for Hope campaign, while Dr Ruparelia also participated in the charity event held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Dr Ruparelia is the chairman of the Ruparelia Group, which has interests in real estate, hospitality, education, insurance and other sectors.
The PLU notice, however, does not provide individual reasons for the designation of each of the 118 officers.
The latest appointments come as PLU continues to expand its network of supporters and associates across different sectors of Ugandan society.
Dr Ruparelia’s designation is expected to draw further attention to the relationship between the businessman and the political organisation as discussions around the 2031 presidential race continue.