KAMPALA — Uganda’s leading businessman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, joined senior government officials, business executives, religious leaders and invited guests at a grand thanksgiving celebration held in honour of veteran entrepreneur Mrs. Goodra Tumusiime Behakanira at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The event, which attracted hundreds of guests from across the country, celebrated Mrs. Behakanira’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey and recognized her contribution to Uganda’s private sector. The gathering also served as a platform for reflection on the values of hard work, resilience, integrity and faith that have defined her life and business career.
Speaking during the thanksgiving, Mrs. Behakanira shared the story of her humble beginnings, revealing that she started her business with a small kiosk in Kabale before gradually expanding into a successful enterprise through determination and disciplined financial management.
She credited her achievements to unwavering faith in God, perseverance and a commitment to honest business practices. She said that despite numerous financial and personal challenges, she and her late husband remained focused on building sustainable investments that would leave a lasting legacy.
Addressing aspiring entrepreneurs, Mrs. Behakanira encouraged young Ugandans to embrace patience, consistency and integrity, emphasizing that genuine success cannot be achieved through shortcuts but through years of dedication and resilience.
The celebration became emotional as she recounted some of the defining moments of her personal life. She revealed that she and her late husband spent eight years without children, describing the experience as one of the greatest tests of their faith before God eventually blessed their family.
She also narrated how she narrowly survived a building collapse during a construction project, saying the incident strengthened her belief in God’s protection and reminded her of the importance of gratitude throughout life’s journey.
Mrs. Behakanira further reflected on Uganda’s liberation struggle, revealing that she supported the National Resistance Army (NRA) by providing logistical assistance to fighters during the bush war despite the dangers involved. She described the contribution as a patriotic duty aimed at supporting the country’s liberation.
Her testimony received prolonged applause from guests, many of whom praised her courage, resilience and commitment to both national development and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia’s presence at the thanksgiving highlighted his longstanding support for Uganda’s business community and his commitment to celebrating entrepreneurs whose success stories continue to inspire investment, innovation and economic transformation.
The event brought together several prominent personalities, including Kwagalana Group Chairman Godfrey Kirumira, Ministers Kasule Lumumba and David Bahati, Members of Parliament, senior government officials and leading figures from Uganda’s private sector.
Also in attendance was Col. Samson Mande, one of the recognised veterans of the NRA liberation struggle who recently returned to Uganda after years in exile. His presence added historical significance to an event that celebrated both personal achievement and national service.
Throughout the evening, guests commended Mrs. Behakanira for sharing her life story, describing it as a powerful testimony of perseverance, faith and determination capable of inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
The thanksgiving concluded with prayers, entertainment and networking sessions as guests celebrated Mrs. Behakanira’s achievements and reaffirmed the importance of entrepreneurship in driving Uganda’s economic growth. Hosted at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the ceremony once again demonstrated the venue’s reputation for hosting some of the country’s most prestigious business and social events.