Uganda is home to a dynamic group of influential entrepreneurs and industrialists whose vast business empires span diverse sectors, significantly shaping the nation’s economy. Their contributions have positioned Uganda as a regional hub for growth, investment, and innovation. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 wealthiest individuals in Uganda in 2025, ranked by net worth and based on reliable sources like Forbes, The Africa Report, and Discover UG.
1. Sudhir Ruparelia – $1.4 Billion
- Date of Birth: January 17, 1956
- Place of Birth: Kabatoro, Uganda
- Famous As: CEO of Ruparelia Group of Companies
Sudhir Ruparelia tops the list as Uganda’s wealthiest person. A third-generation Gujarati-Ugandan entrepreneur, he founded the Ruparelia Foundation, a conglomerate with interests in banking, real estate, insurance, education, floriculture, and hospitality. His portfolio includes luxury hotels, commercial properties, and resorts, making him a cornerstone of Uganda’s economic landscape. Sudhir’s entrepreneurial acumen has earned him recognition as a symbol of resilience and innovation.
2. Hamis Kiggundu – $1.3 Billion
- Date of Birth: February 10, 1984
- Place of Birth: Masaka, Uganda
- Famous As: CEO of Ham Group of Companies
At just 41 years old, Hamis Kiggundu, also known as Ham, has built an empire in real estate and construction. His company, Ham Group of Companies, is responsible for several iconic commercial and residential properties in Kampala. Additionally, Ham is an accomplished author, with works like Success and Failure Based on Reason and Reality, which have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in business.
3. Drake Lubega – $1 Billion
- Famous As: CEO of Jesco Industries Limited
Drake Lubega is a titan in the Ugandan real estate sector, owning nearly half of Kampala’s prime commercial buildings. His flagship company, Jesco Industries Limited, spearheads his diverse investments, making him one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s urban development.
4. Hajj Omar Ahmed Mandela – $550 Million
- Famous As: CEO of CJ’s Restaurant
Hajj Omar Ahmed Mandela is the founder of the Mandela Group of Companies, which operates across hospitality, oil, manufacturing, and automotive services. His chain of CJ’s Restaurants, a household name in Uganda and Nairobi, reflects his commitment to quality and excellence. Mandela also serves as president of Sports Club Villa, contributing to Uganda’s sports development.
5. Charles Mbire – $500 Million
- Date of Birth: 1959
- Famous As: Chairman of MTN Uganda
Charles Mbire is one of Uganda’s most respected business leaders. As the chairman of MTN Uganda and the Uganda Securities Exchange, Mbire’s wealth is rooted in telecommunications, finance, and infrastructure. His investments extend to Rift Valley Railways and Ecobank Uganda, reflecting his strategic vision.
6. Sikander Lalani – $300 Million
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1944
- Place of Birth: Nsambya, Uganda
- Famous As: Managing Director of Roofings Group
Sikander Lalani is a pioneering industrialist and founder of the Roofings Group, East Africa’s leading steel manufacturer. His company provides high-quality construction materials to several countries in the region, making a substantial impact on infrastructure development.
7. Aaron Mukooza – $200 Million
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1979
- Place of Birth: Kampala, Uganda
Aaron Mukooza’s wealth stems from strategic investments in banking and media. Though he maintains a low profile, his influence in these sectors is profound, establishing him as a formidable entrepreneur in Uganda.
8. Gordon Wavamunno – $150 Million
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1943
- Place of Birth: Rugaaga, Uganda
- Famous As: CEO of Spear Motors Uganda
Gordon Wavamunno is synonymous with luxury and innovation as the owner of Spear Motors Uganda, the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Uganda. His diverse investments span media, tourism, agriculture, and real estate, underscoring his versatility as an entrepreneur.
9. Patrick Bitature – $130 Million
- Date of Birth: May 10, 1960
- Place of Birth: Fort Portal, Uganda
- Famous As: CEO of Simba Group of Companies
Patrick Bitature is the visionary founder of the Simba Group, with interests in hospitality, farming, mining, and real estate. A champion of entrepreneurship, Bitature also authors books that inspire the next generation of business leaders.
10. Mukesh Shukla – $110 Million
- Date of Birth: 1962
- Place of Birth: Arua, Uganda
- Famous As: CEO of Shumuk Group
Mukesh Shukla leads the Shumuk Group, a family business with roots dating back to 1939. The group operates in aluminum manufacturing, real estate, milk processing, and forex trading, making Shukla a legacy entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio.
Conclusion
The wealthiest individuals in Uganda have not only amassed significant fortunes but also played a pivotal role in the country’s economic development. Their ventures across industries like real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, and hospitality have positioned Uganda as a growing economic hub. These business magnates serve as inspirations for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential of vision, resilience, and innovation in driving success. As Uganda continues to evolve, these individuals remain at the forefront of shaping its economic future.
