Tycoon Sudhir Honored with the Prestigious Tourism Silverback Award

The Chairman of Ruparelia Group, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia at a glamorous event has received the prestigious Silverback Award during the Uganda Tourism Association Annual Tourism Banquet held at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala on Thursday 16^th July 2026.

The Banquet organized under the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Strengthening Partnerships, Transforming Tourism" was according to organizers, celebrating the champions who are driving Uganda's tourism sub sector forward as they showcase Uganda as the Pearl of Africa to rest of the world.

Dr. Sudhir’s immense contribution spans from building world class hotels, protecting wildlife, creating tourism jobs, growing and supporting MICE markets, among others.

He is one of Uganda's biggest investors in tourism and hospitality, owning over 13 top hotels and resorts hosting large local and global meetings, and creating thousands of jobs.

Diana Museveni (L) receives the award 

Sudhir's hotel group includes famous properties like Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, and Forest Cottages, apartments among other, offering luxury rooms and meeting halls, and supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions initiative (MICE).

On Protecting Wildlife, Sudhir cares a lot about nature such as helping to move a rhino from Kenya to Uganda named "Kabira" to Entebbe Zoo. He has also paid to adopt and feed chimpanzees at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and other contributions.

Ms. Diana Museveni who was the Chief Guest’s delivered an address on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, affirming government's confidence in Uganda's tourism private sector and later received the Lifetime Achieving award on her father’s behalf.

Mr. A. Sabuhoro from UTA presented two years of achievements (2024–2026), unveiled their roadmap for 2026–2028, and launch UTA's new signature initiatives

UTA’s boss Yogi Biriggwa who handed over the highest honour of the UTA Banquet 2026 President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recognizing him for the transformative leadership for Uganda's tourism sector for over four decades said that "When Uganda's tourism community unites in purpose, our nation prospers."

The UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa highlighted that the unity of 14 member associations in building a strong voice for the private sector.

The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Annual Tourism Banquet is a premier networking event for Uganda's tourism sector. Industry leaders—including tour operators and hoteliers—gather to honor achievements, celebrate excellence, and collaborate on strategies to grow the sector.

The Annual Tourism Banquet brings together key visionaries, investors, and conservation champions to strengthen partnerships and transform the industry.