The founder and Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, Dr. Ruparelia has built a diversified business empire spanning sectors such as banking, real estate, insurance, education, floriculture, and hospitality.

His sustained success underscores both personal resilience and continued influence on Uganda’s economic landscape.

Despite notable setbacks, including the closure of Crane Bank in 2017, Ruparelia’s ventures have remained remarkably resilient. Landmark properties such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Pearl Business Park, Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments, Tagore Living, and Bukoto Heights have reinforced his dominance in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

The latest Forbes rankings highlight Uganda’s vibrant business environment, showcasing a mix of long-standing tycoons and emerging billionaires who are reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory through innovation, investment, and philanthropy.

Uganda’s Top 10 Wealthiest Individuals – Forbes 2025

2. Drake Lubega – Estimated net worth: USD 850 million
   Drake Lubega ranks second on the list, deriving much of his wealth from an expansive real estate portfolio in Kampala and other urban centers. He owns numerous commercial buildings, shopping arcades, and apartment complexes. His interests also extend to manufacturing and hospitality.
3. Mansoor Matovu “Yanga” – USD 785 million
   Known as Yanga, Matovu is a prominent real estate investor with holdings in high-value commercial and residential properties. He also owns interests in logistics and transportation, particularly in the trucking and import-export sectors.
4. John Bosco Muwonge – USD 720 million
   Muwonge’s investments are heavily concentrated in Kampala’s central business district. Though he maintains a low public profile, his real estate ventures—comprising shopping malls, arcades, and luxury residences—have made him one of Uganda’s most influential property owners.
5. Godfrey Kirumira – USD 700 million
   Kirumira is a multi-sector entrepreneur with interests in petroleum, real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality. As chairman of the influential Kwagalana Group, he has played a key role in Kampala’s high-value property market. His petroleum company, GM Tumpeco, is a significant contributor to his wealth.
6. Guster Lule Ntake – USD 697 million
   Ntake is a veteran businessman whose wealth spans real estate, modern agriculture, and hospitality. His investments include hotels, resorts, and commercial buildings, placing him among Uganda’s most respected entrepreneurs.
7. Tom Kitandwe – USD 602.7 million
   Kitandwe has built his wealth through diverse ventures in agriculture, telecommunications, and real estate. He is also a major player in Uganda’s agribusiness sector, thanks to large-scale landholdings and investment in advanced farming technologies.
8. Hamis Kiggundu (“Ham”) – USD 601.9 million
   One of Uganda’s youngest billionaires, Kiggundu has made a name through strategic real estate developments including Ham Towers, Ham Shopping Mall, and the redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium. He is also a published author and an advocate for youth entrepreneurship.
9. Christine Nabukeera and Charles Mbire – USD 600 million each
   Nabukeera is a key investor in real estate and hospitality, particularly in high-end apartments and commercial developments. Mbire, one of Uganda’s most prominent business figures, has interests in telecommunications, finance, energy, and pharmaceuticals. As chairman of MTN Uganda, he has been instrumental in driving the telecom giant’s success in the region.
10. Amos Nzeyi – USD 250 million
    Nzeyi rounds out the top ten as founder of Crown Beverages Limited, the bottler of Pepsi in Uganda. His wealth is drawn from ventures in agriculture, real estate, and hospitality, cementing his reputation as a consistent and reliable business leader.

Beyond Wealth: A Commitment to Social Impact

Beyond their financial achievements, these individuals have played a significant role in national development through job creation, philanthropy, and community initiatives. Dr. Ruparelia, for instance, supports numerous educational and healthcare programs through the Ruparelia Foundation. Similarly, Hamis Kiggundu is widely recognized for championing youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

As Uganda continues to expand its economic base and attract foreign investment, the contributions of these billionaires remain pivotal. They not only drive private sector growth but also shape the socioeconomic future of the nation.

The post Dr. Sudhir Named Again as the Richest Ugandan in 2025 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The event was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, where Speke Resort Munyonyo emerged victorious.

Speke Resort Munyonyo beat other hotels nominated under this category. Those nominated were Four Points, Aquarius-Kigo Resort and Sheraton Hotels.

Under the theme: Celebrating hotels that seamlessly integrate and eco-consciousness, proving that sustainability and great hospitality services and experiences can thrive together.

As the ‘Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards online voting draws to a close, we would like to highlight that the voting process serves as a vital platform for the public to make their voices heard. It brings tourism closer to the masses while offering nominees a valuable opportunity to showcase their exceptional sustainability efforts in the tourism sector—ultimately promoting and advancing the cause of Sustainable Tourism.” A top manager at Munyonyo Speke Resort said.

The event was graced by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Online votes account for 50% of the total score, with the remaining 50% determined by the judges’ verdict. Leading in the public vote is not a guarantee of victory, as the judges’ insights and decisions are integral to the final outcome.

Speke Resort Munyonyo is part of the Speke Group of Hotels under the Ruparelia Group, owned by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

At the core of sustainable tourism lie the values of inclusion, fairness, equality, and equity—principles that foster authentic, meaningful experiences for both visitors and hosts.

We eagerly look forward to celebrating those destinations and initiatives that leave a lasting, positive impact on all involved.

The post How Speke Resort Munyonyo Beat Sheraton, Others to Win Ekkula Award appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The 7 Most Expensive Coffees in the World

Our list of the world’s most expensive coffees showcases some of the finest and most unique coffees from around the globe. From rare coffee beans crafted with the aid of elephants to blends roasted by century-old artisans, these coffees redefine the standards of excellence in every cup.

Black Ivory: $2,500 per kilogram

“Black Ivory” coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world, surpassing even “Kopi Luwak” in exclusivity and price. Produced in Anantara resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, this rare coffee involves nearly 30 elephants consuming Thai Arabica coffee beans.

After undergoing a natural fermentation process in the elephants’ digestive system, the beans produce a coffee with reduced bitterness and a smooth, chocolatey flavour, with hints of red berries offering a unique taste.

The coffee production process is costly, with elephants consuming about 35 kilos of coffee cherries to yield just under a kilo of coffee beans. However, it’s not just about taste, proceeds from sales support the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, supporting the majestic animals and their caretakers.

With a limited availability of approximately 225 kg per year, Black Ivory Coffee is reserved for a select clientele, highlighting the brand’s commitment to quality and exclusivity.

Misha Coffee – $1,500 per kilogram

This exceptional variety surpasses the traditional Misha Life Bosque blend, thanks to a unique natural process involving local Coatis.

These native animals, skilled at selecting ripe coffee cherries, contribute to the beans’ distinct profile through their digestive process, imparting additional fruity notes. Located in the Andean Mountains’ high altitudes, the coffee unfolds flavours of deep chocolate, almond, and subtle citrus undertones.

Similar to “Kopi Luwak” or “Black Ivory,” the coffee cherries are eaten by the Coatis and partially digested before being eliminated. Inside the stomach, the beans mix with previously consumed fruits like pineapples or papayas, influencing the coffee’s flavour profile. The collected droppings are roasted at nearly 220 degrees to ensure cleanliness before processing.

Kopi Luwak – $1,300 per kilogram

Originating from Indonesia, these beans are renowned as one of the world’s most expensive and exquisite varieties of coffee. To craft this coffee, the beans undergo a unique process. They are fed to civets, small mongoose-like mammals found in the tropical forests of Asia and Africa, and then harvested from their droppings.

As the civets digest the beans, they ferment, resulting in an unmistakable flavour profile. Known for its strong earthy tones and musty aroma, Kopi Luwak often exhibits hints of caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavours. This intricately nuanced coffee attracts numerous visitors to Indonesia each year, seeking to better understand its production process.

Ospina Coffee: Dynasty Gran Café, Premier Grand Cru – $1250 per kilogram

The Ospina name carries a legacy of excellence in Colombian coffee for over 185 years. Grown in the lush highland microclimates of Colombia’s Andean mountains, Ospina Coffee cherries benefit from volcanic soil, ample rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Hand-picked at peak ripeness, they undergo a specialised “bird-friendly wet milling” process to preserve their inherent qualities.

Sun-dried and carefully rested, these beans yield Ospina’s trademark sweet, balanced cup. Exclusive use of the rare Arabica Typica variety, known as the “Champagne of coffee,” ensures intricate flavours and a velvety body. With less than 1% of global Arabica production, Ospina’s beans are exceptionally precious and undergo over 20 quality control checks to maintain their uncompromising standards which makes their coffee some of the most expensive in the world.

Finca El Injerto – $1,100 per kilogram

Finca El Injerto commands prices starting at $1,100/kg due to its exceptional quality and award-winning status. Grown in Guatemala, this coffee undergoes a unique washing process to enhance grain quality, contributing to its rich, full-bodied profile with a creamy texture and sweet, smooth taste reminiscent of dark chocolate. It also features notes of tea, rose, tamarind, coconut, and sweet fruits, offering a distinctive flavour profile.

As the first carbon-neutral certified coffee farm in Guatemala, El Injerto, managed by the Aguirre family, prioritises sustainable practices and social responsibility. Thanks to its mineral-rich non-volcanic soil and high-altitude location, El Injerto coffees authentically reflect the terrain of Guatemala which distinguishes them from their imitations and dupes.

Saint Helena – $870 per kilogram

The history of this coffee traces back to 1733 when the East India Company transported coffee seeds from Yemen’s port of Mocha to the volcanic island of St. Helena, located approximately 1900 km from the African mainland. The island’s mild climate and volcanic soil provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Known for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile, the island’s limited size and tough accessibility contribute to the rarity and expensive nature of St. Helena coffee.

Cultivation and processing are exclusively done by hand, following organic principles. Described as the world’s best coffee in 1839, production ceased in the late 19th century due to changing market demands. However, it resumed in 1994 under David Henry’s initiative, and later, a joint venture revived production in 2010. St. Helena coffee offers subtle flavours of hazelnut, chocolate, and almond, with mild acidity.

Hacienda La Esmeralda – $560 per kilogram

Hacienda La Esmeralda, a family-owned business in Panama’s southwest highlands, produces award-winning specialty coffee, including its high-altitude Geisha variety. Since 2007, the Petersons have achieved record prices through private online auctions, showcasing their commitment to quality and taste.

Grown under guava trees on Mount Baru, the beans have earned numerous accolades, contributing to their impressive price tag. With flavours of peach, vanilla, lavender, and honey, Hacienda La Esmeralda offers a uniquely rich and sweet cup with strong acidity.

The world of expensive coffees is as diverse as it is dynamic, with offerings from various corners of the globe. Unlike wine, coffee’s shelf life is limited, requiring timely consumption to savour its unique flavours.

Involving unique cultivation methods, meticulous processing techniques, and exquisite flavour profiles, exploring these exquisite brews promises an ever-evolving journey of luxury and taste, offering a sensory experience unlike any other.

The post Most Expensive Coffee in The World appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Globally, there are now 56 conflicts, the highest number since World War II. These conflicts have become increasingly international, with 92 countries involved in disputes beyond their borders—the most since the inception of the Global Peace Index (GPI).

The rise in minor conflicts increases the likelihood of more major conflicts in the future. For instance, in 2019, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Gaza were all identified as minor conflicts.

Per the report, 97 countries deteriorated in peacefulness, more than any year since the inception of the Global Peace Index in 2008.

The global economic impact of violence increased to $19.1 trillion in 2023, representing 13.5% of global GDP. Exposure to conflict poses a significant supply chain risk for governments and businesses.

Militarisation recorded its largest yearly deterioration since the inception of the GPI, with 108 countries becoming more militarised.

In the first four months of 2024, conflict-related deaths globally amounted to 47,000. If the same rate continues for the rest of this year, it would be the highest number of conflict deaths since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

In Africa, the report indicates that Mauritius is the most peaceful country for 2024, with an overall score of 1.577. Following Mauritius, Madagascar has a score of 1.838, and Botswana scores 1.863.

Below are the 10 most peaceful African countries in 2024:

The post 10 Most Peaceful African Countries in 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

For women, especially, these signs can be subtle and vary greatly from one individual to another, depending on their emotional needs, relationship dynamics, and personal values. Here are some behaviours and changes that may occur before a woman might consider cheating on her partner.

Understanding these signs is crucial for both partners in a relationship. Recognizing and addressing issues early can lead to meaningful discussions and actions to reconnect and strengthen the relationship, potentially averting the path to infidelity. It’s important to remember that these signs are not definitive proof of cheating but indicators of underlying issues within the relationship that need attention.

However, it’s important to remember that these behaviours can also stem from other issues. Here’s how to navigate these potential red flags:

Open Communication: The best course of action is to have a calm and honest conversation with your partner. Express your concerns about the changes in behaviour and their impact on the relationship.

Focus on the Relationship: Instead of accusations, focus on what’s missing in the relationship. Ask open-ended questions like, “Do you feel like we’re not connecting as much?” or “Is there anything I can be doing to make you happier?”

Consider Couples Therapy: A neutral third party can help facilitate communication and uncover the root cause of the issues.

It’s also important to acknowledge that unhappy women (or men) don’t always cheat. Sometimes, they choose to communicate their needs and work on improving the relationship.

Reignite the Spark: Plan date nights, engage in shared hobbies, or simply reconnect through open communication.

Prioritize Intimacy: Physical and emotional intimacy are vital parts of a healthy relationship. Explore ways to make intimacy a priority for both partners.

Seek Personal Growth: Sometimes, personal dissatisfaction can lead to seeking validation elsewhere. Encourage individual growth activities that can make both partners happier within themselves.

Be Willing to Let Go: If open communication and attempts to improve the relationship fail, it might be time to consider a healthy separation.

Ultimately, a strong relationship is built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to working through challenges. If these elements are present, then even if there are bumps in the road, the likelihood of infidelity is greatly reduced.

The post 10 Things a Woman Will Do Before She Cheats appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The concept of a “global village” is more relevant than ever, with professionals moving across countries for career opportunities, lifestyle changes, and personal growth.

However, the economic conditions in these host countries differ, often impacting the cost of living for expatriates. Some cities, due to their unique economic landscapes, are notoriously more expensive than others for international workers.

According to Mercer’s annual Cost of Living City Ranking report, inflation and exchange-rate fluctuations have directly impacted the pay and savings of globally mobile employees. Additionally, increased economic and geopolitical volatility, along with local conflicts and emergencies, have driven up costs in housing, utilities, local taxes, and education.

This year’s ranking methodology encompassed 226 cities across five continents. It assessed the comparative costs of over 200 items in each location — from housing and transportation to food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.

To ensure consistency in city-ranking comparisons, New York City was utilized as the base city and currency movements were measured against the US dollar.

African cities that placed highest in the global Cost of Living City Ranking are Bangui (14, up 12 places), Djibouti (18) and N’Djamena (21)

Below are the top 10 most expensive cities in Africa for international workers in 2024:

The post 10 Most Expensive African Cities for International Workers in 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Air and sea travel are two instances. It’s important to remember that driving is a popular mode of transportation for a lot of people.

Africa’s road system has been criticised by many analysts. The poor state of the road systems in many African countries is the root source of this problem.

These countries are as follows:

First, Namibia.

This country, which is located in the southern portion of Africa, is officially known as the Republic of Namibia. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, Namibia has among of Africa’s best roads. This has also been confirmed by The Guardian.

2. Egypt.

The British Broadcasting Corporation reports that there are issues with Egypt’s transport sector. But the Egyptian government has done a fantastic job managing this problem.

This is because, according to the BBC, Egypt currently has the second-best roads in all of Africa.

3. Rwanda

The Republic of Rwanda is another country in Africa. That country has the third-best road network in all of Africa. This has been backed up by articles from the BBC and Business Insider.

The post 3 African Countries With the Best Road Infrastructure (PHOTOS) appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

With over 2,000 linguistic variations spread across the continent, Africa stands as a testament to the beauty of human communication and cultural heritage.

On the continent, there are at least 75 languages in Africa which have more than one million speakers. The rest are spoken by populations ranging from a few hundred to several hundred thousand speakers.

Chief among African languages is Swahili, spoken in the southern and eastern parts of the continent. Hausa is the primary language for Chadic people in Nigeria, Niger and Chad, while Yoruba is spoken in southwest Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo. More than 150 million people speak each of these languages.

With this staggering linguistic variety, Africa stands as a testament to the beauty of human communication. This linguistic diversity is not just a numerical feature but a living narrative that tells the stories of a multitude of cultures, traditions, and histories.

Also, non-indigenous languages like English and French are widely spoken and used in various parts of the continent, primarily due to historical colonial influences. For instance, the English language is spoken by about 130 million Africans, and it’s an official or secondary language in 27 out of 54 countries on the continent.

Below are 10 African countries with the highest number of languages, according to Statista:

The post LIST: Top 10 African Countries With the Highest Number of Languages appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Airlines on the continent range from legacy carriers with global reach to nimble regional operators serving specific markets. Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc are among the continent’s leading airlines.

Despite the immense potential of the African aviation market, airlines face numerous challenges, including infrastructure limitations, regulatory complexities, and fierce competition.

However, amidst these challenges, there are also opportunities for innovation, and growth, driven by economic development, increasing urbanization, and the growing demand for air travel.

Boeing forecasts a surge in intra-African passenger traffic over the next two decades, with numbers expected to skyrocket more than fourfold. This growth trajectory positions Africa’s aviation sector among the fastest-growing worldwide.

To accommodate this expansion, more airlines are required on the continent. In Africa, the number of airlines varies from one country to another.

According to Planespotters, Nigeria has the highest number of airlines on the continent, with 87 carriers. Following closely are South Africa with 70 airlines and Kenya with 64.

Below are 10 African countries that have the highest number of airlines in 2024, according to Planespotters:

The post Top 10 African Countries Leading in Airline Numbers for 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The detrimental effects of a weak internal government are profound and multifaceted, impacting every facet of a nation’s existence.

One of the concerns of a weak government is the economic challenges that come as a result, which often leads to crime and corruption.

Without a stable economic foundation, a nation may find itself unable to provide essential services to its citizens, exacerbating poverty and widening socioeconomic disparities.

But perhaps, the biggest problem that results from a weak government is the threat to the lives and freedoms of a people. Some of the security concerns include inefficient law enforcement agencies, porous borders, and rampant corruption.

There is also the pain of social unrest as a weak government is often faced with this. Simply put the inadequate provision of basic services such as health care, education, and infrastructure can fuel grievances among the populace, leading to protests, strikes, and civil disobedience.

With that said here are the countries with the weakest governments according to the Fragile States Index (FSI).

This index which ranks 178 countries based on the different pressures they face that impact their levels of fragility, shows that while several African countries are faced with the effects of having a weak central government, some thrive in this regard.

The Index, which assesses central government weakness, is created using The Fund for Peace’s proprietary Conflict Assessment System Tool (CAST) analytical approach.

Given that this list index rates the weakest central administrations, a country’s lower index indicates a stronger government, while a higher index denotes a weak government.

Methodology

As mentioned earlier, the Fragile States Index is based on a conflict assessment framework, known as “CAST.”

The CAST framework, which is still frequently used by policymakers, field practitioners, and local community networks, was first created to test this vulnerability and evaluate how it may affect field initiatives.

To assess a state’s current situation, twelve conflict risk indicators are employed, they include; security apparatus, factionalized elites, group grievance, economic decline, uneven economic development, human flight and brain drain, state legitimacy, public services, human rights and rule of law, demographic pressures, refugees and IDPs, and external intervention.

The post 10 African Countries With the Weakest Govts appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).