By Grace M
As Uganda marked Labour Day 2025, I reflected on the incredible impact one man has had on my life and the lives of so many Ugandans: my employer, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group.
In a country where securing stable employment can feel like chasing a mirage, Dr. Sudhir has been a shining light of opportunity. Thanks to him, people like me have found hope and a chance to build a better future.
I started working at Speke Resort Munyonyo two years ago as a front desk receptionist, a role I never imagined I would hold. Coming from a small village in Mukono, I had seen many friends struggle to find work after school, often forced into informal jobs just to survive.
Youth unemployment has long been a major challenge in Uganda, with rates hovering around 13 to 14 percent in recent years. I feared I might end up selling vegetables on the roadside, barely getting by. But then I discovered job openings at Speke Resort, one of Dr. Sudhir’s premier properties and my life changed completely.
Working at Speke Resort Munyonyo has been nothing short of a dream. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, the resort is more than a hotel, it’s a community of people united by pride and opportunity. I work alongside chefs, gardeners, security officers, and event planners, each of us part of the Ruparelia family.
I learned that Dr. Sudhir’s businesses employ over 10,000 Ugandans directly, which fills me with immense pride.
That means 10,000 families who have food on their tables, children in school, and hope for the future. Beyond that, thousands more benefit indirectly, taxi drivers ferrying guests, farmers supplying fresh produce, everyone part of a larger ripple effect.
Dr. Sudhir’s impact goes beyond job creation. He’s built workplaces where employees are valued and supported. At Speke Resort, I received training in customer service, mastered booking systems, and improved my English—skills that I know will serve me well throughout my life.
Last year, when the resort hosted the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, I had the honor of welcoming guests from around the world. It was a proud moment to see a workplace created by Dr. Sudhir putting Uganda on the global stage.
In a country where many struggle to find decent work, Dr. Sudhir has been a true pioneer. I’ve heard how he began his journey in the 1980s with just $25,000 and grew the Ruparelia Group into one of East Africa’s largest business empires.
From real estate to education through Kampala Parents’ School, and even flower farming at Rosebud Ltd., his businesses touch countless lives. My cousin works at Rosebud, packing flowers for export, and her job helps pay for her children’s schooling. This is the powerful ripple effect of Dr. Sudhir’s vision—uplifting entire communities through enterprise.
What inspires me most is that Dr. Sudhir continues to invest in Uganda. He could have taken his wealth abroad, but he chose to build and expand right here at home. Just this year, the Ruparelia Group has grown even more, creating new jobs at places like Kabira Country Club. For someone like me who knows the pain of unemployment, this means the world.
On this Labour Day, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia—a true patriot and champion of job creation. He has shown that one person’s vision can transform thousands of lives. As I greet guests every day at Speke Resort Munyonyo, I remember that this opportunity—and this life—are thanks to him.
He is more than a boss; he is a hero to workers all across Uganda. May his legacy of opportunity and dignity continue to grow, and may many more Ugandans find the chance I was so fortunate to receive.
Happy Labour Day, Sir, from a grateful heart.
Grace M, Front Desk Receptionist, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala
