The Ruparelia Foundation, a subsidiary of the Ruparelia Group, received the Conservation Education Award at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre's (UWEC) 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Friday at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The Foundation was honoured for its significant support to UWEC.
During the UWEC's 70th anniversary festivities on Thursday, Dr. James Musinguzi, the centre's Executive Director, praised the Ruparelia Group's Ruparelia Foundation for its unwavering support for the country's wildlife conservation.
Dr Musinguzi described how the Ruparelia Foundation supports a lion cub called Arie after Dr Sudhir's granddaughter and Ms Sheena Ruparelia's daughter, and thanked them for their unwavering support for its well-being.He noted that the institution has developed over the years thanks to collaborations and assistance from patriotic Ugandans such as the Ruparelia Foundation, and that such major milestones help the public understand and acknowledge its achievements.
Dr. Musinguzi further said that the Ruparelia Foundation has always provided food and medical help to rhinos, and it has always responded quickly to UWEC's requests. "We want additional partners to join UWEC in wildlife conservation by sponsoring animals, making significant gifts, and visiting the facility." Dr. Musinguzi further said
The Ruparelia family members are well-known nature enthusiasts, and their charitable efforts have significantly aided the expansion of Uganda's tourist industry. Dr. Sudhir and his family celebrated Janan Luwum Day in February 2021 at UWEC, now known as Entebbe Zoo, when he was reunited with Kabira the rhino after 20 years.
Dr Sudhir and his family paid a visit to Kabira, Uganda's oldest male rhino named after the business magnate's Kabira Country Club. It should also be noted that Sudhir supported the relocation of a three-year-old rhino from Kenya's Solio Ranch to the Entebbe Zoo in 2001.
The government of Uganda, via the Ministry of Tourist, Wildlife, and Antiquities, will recognise businessman Sudhir Ruparelia in September 2022 for his achievements in developing Uganda's tourism industry. As the event's Chief Guest, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa praised the businessman as one of the investors who care deeply about Uganda.
"I would want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Speke Group of Hotels, for your enthusiasm and leadership in hospitality and tourist development," Rt. Hon. Tayebwa stated.
"I know individuals who have been appealing with Dr. Sudhir to come and build their nations; I know many of them; some of them have been asking me, but what did you offer this Sudhir guy as Uganda?"
For the last 10 years, Dr. Sudhir has worked with multiple stakeholders via his charitable arm, the Ruparelia Foundation, to support good change in several communities around Uganda in order to enhance lives. The foundation has supported over 700 charitable initiatives to far.