Uganda’s wealthiest man, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has lavished praise on President Museveni for providing a smooth atmosphere in Uganda for investors to exploit and for his constant support of the business community in the nation. Sudhir, who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Lohana Community in Uganda, was speaking at the Lohana Business Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The merchant showed how tolerant Ugandans are, which is one reason some foreign families have been able to reside in the nation for over 120 years and have succeeded in developing a chain of enterprises.
Dr. Sudhir explained to Museveni that the Lohana International Business Forum is an initiative aimed at connecting Lohana businesses and deliberating on market opportunities, as well as helping businesses better understand the regulatory and fiscal environments of participating countries.
“As the chairman of the board of trustees of Lohana Community, it is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to you, particularly to those who travelled from abroad to be with us. Your excellence and presence have made everyone’s day. Thank you for taking time in your highly busy schedule,” the money magnet remarked.
“Some people who come here for the first time can’t believe that such a lovely nation exists in the world. Uganda has a conducive investment climate, which helps businesses to consistently grow,” he assured the businessmen and women.
Sudhir praised the president as foresighted, supportive of the business community in Uganda, and always eager to listen to all business owners whenever the need arises. “We have invested in commercial activities like agro-processing, ICT, construction, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and education.”
In his speech, Museveni encouraged the Lohana community to take advantage of various investment opportunities in Uganda and do business. The president outlined a huge cluster of materials, mainly agro-products and mining, that need value addition by setting up factories in Uganda. The Lohana International Business Forum 2023 was held under the theme “Africa calling."
The four-day symposium saw over 800 delegates from 28 countries across the world attend. The activities were graced by the minister for investment, Evelyn Anite, and supported by a number of businesses in Uganda. This was the first international business forum organised by Lohana Mahaparisad, the mother body of the Lohana Community.
The President of Lohana Mahaparisad, Satish Vithalani, chose Uganda as the host country during his visit in 2022. The Lohana people have been conducting business in Uganda for over 150 years. Others heroically stayed behind when President Idi Amin exiled 80, 000 individuals of Indian heritage in 1972.
The notable business houses of Lohana origin are the Mehta Group, Madhvani Group, Ruparelia Group, Picfare Group, Lato Milk, House of Dawda, and Translink Group, amongst many others