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Sheena Ruparelia has established herself as a prominent force in Uganda’s business and socio-economic landscape, building on the foundation laid by her father, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. As a Director at the Ruparelia Group—one of Uganda’s largest and most diversified conglomerates—Sheena has embraced her father’s legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact while carving her unique path in the business world.
Educated at London’s City University with a degree in Economics and Accountancy, Sheena began her journey with the Ruparelia Group humbly, working as a cashier at the now-defunct Crane Bank. Her rise through the ranks was fueled by exceptional talent and a deep understanding of the Group’s vision, which aligns with her father’s ethos of creating value across diverse sectors.
As a Director at the Ruparelia Group, she has contributed to the growth and diversification of one of Uganda’s leading conglomerates. She oversees the Group’s hospitality and real estate divisions.
“My primary focus is overseeing the group’s hospitality and real estate divisions under the guidance of our Chairman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, and fellow directors. Since January 2017, I have been leading the operations and renovation of our iconic properties, such as Speke Resort, Kabira Country Club, and various other developments. Additionally, I have played a key role in the design and development of Speke Apartments Kitante, Tagore Living, Bukoto Living, and Windsor House,” she told the CEO East Africa Magazine in an interview.
“One of my proudest achievements has been contributing to the construction of the Speke Resort Convention Centre, where my key role was to coordinate the project from design and procurement to implementation, working alongside a team of talented consultants and contractors. This state-of-the-art facility has been pivotal in positioning Uganda as a global destination for high-profile international events, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits. My role required me to spend six months on-site, overseeing every detail to ensure the project’s timely and successful completion. Seeing the centre come to life and contribute to Uganda’s global image has been deeply fulfilling,” she narrates.
Beyond her ongoing responsibilities in operations and marketing, she is also actively involved in developing major Group construction projects, such as the 600-bedroom expansion of Kabira Country Club, Phase 1 of Pearl Business Park, Paradise Island Resort, One10 Apartments for sale, Vista Naguru Apartments, 48 Apartments in Naguru, and the Pool Pavilion—an extension of the Speke Resort Conference facilities.
“Each of these developments reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in Uganda’s real estate and hospitality sectors,” she says proudly, adding: “Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am passionate about empowerment and community development. I actively engage in initiatives that inspire individuals to realise their potential, foster equal opportunities, and drive meaningful societal change.”
As a leader, Sheena says her philosophy revolves around “commitment to sustainable growth, continuous innovation, and empowering our workforce.”
“I believe in fostering a collaborative environment that enables us to modernise systems, enhance operational standards, and build a motivated team united by a shared sense of purpose. By balancing tradition with innovation, I aim to further build a resilient, forward-thinking business that upholds the Ruparelia Group’s legacy while adapting to market changes. Ultimately, my goal is to drive long-term success that benefits not only our organisation but also contributes to Uganda’s economic and social transformation,” she concludes.
Her commitment extends beyond business to philanthropy and community transformation. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, she has supported educational initiatives, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development projects. She has also advocated for women’s vital role in societal change, inspiring a new generation of leaders in Uganda.
Sheena’s journey mirrors her father’s entrepreneurial spirit. Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder of the Ruparelia Group, built a billion-dollar conglomerate through resilience, vision, and hard work. From his humble beginnings, following displacement during Idi Amin’s expulsion of Asians from Uganda, Dr. Ruparelia returned to the country in 1985, armed with $25,000 in savings. Over decades, he transformed his vision into a multi-sector empire spanning financial services, real estate, education, and more. His contributions to Uganda’s economic growth and his philanthropic efforts have been widely recognised, earning him numerous awards, including a Golden Jubilee Presidential Medal and recognition by Forbes as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
Through Sheena’s leadership, the Ruparelia Group continues to grow while embracing the core values of innovation, quality, and community impact. Together, Sheena and Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia embody a family legacy that has profoundly shaped Uganda’s business and socio-economic landscape, inspiring future generations to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their vision.