Uganda boasts a dynamic group of influential entrepreneurs and industrialists who have made significant contributions to the nation’s economy. These individuals have built business empires that span diverse sectors, positioning Uganda as a regional hub for growth and investment. Below is the definitive list of Uganda’s wealthiest individuals in 2025, based on their net worth and business achievements.
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 remains the wealthiest individual in Uganda. As the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Foundation, he oversees a conglomerate with interests in banking, real estate, insurance, education, floriculture, and hospitality. His investments include luxury hotels, prime commercial properties, and upscale resorts, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.
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
Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, is a young tycoon whose fortune stems from real estate and construction. He is the CEO of the Ham Group of Companies, known for developing iconic residential and commercial properties in Kampala. Ham is also an author, with notable works such as Success and Failure Based on Reason and Reality.
3. Drake Lubega – $1 Billion
- Famous As: CEO of Jesco Industries Limited
Drake Lubega is a major figure in Uganda’s real estate sector. His extensive property portfolio includes nearly half of Kampala’s prime buildings. As the CEO of Jesco Industries, Lubega continues to expand his investments, reinforcing his position as one of Uganda’s most prominent real estate moguls.
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 in hospitality, oil, manufacturing, and automotive services. He owns CJ’s Restaurant, a popular chain in Uganda and Nairobi, and serves as president of Sports Club Villa, one of Uganda’s top football teams.
5. Charles Mbire – $500 Million
- Date of Birth: 1959
- Famous As: Chairman of MTN Uganda
Charles Mbire is a respected businessman and investor whose wealth stems from telecommunications, finance, and infrastructure. As chairman of MTN Uganda and the Uganda Securities Exchange, Mbire plays a significant role in Uganda’s economic landscape. His additional investments include stakes in Rift Valley Railways and Ecobank Uganda.
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 steel magnate and the founder of the Roofings Group, one of East Africa’s largest steel manufacturers. His company produces and supplies construction materials across the region, playing a vital role in Uganda’s infrastructure development.
7. Aaron Mukooza – $200 Million
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1979
- Place of Birth: Kampala, Uganda
Aaron Mukooza is a private investor with notable ventures in banking and media. Despite his low public profile, his strategic investments have earned him a spot among Uganda’s wealthiest individuals.
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 best known as the owner of Spear Motors Uganda, the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country. His business interests also extend to media, tourism, agriculture, and real estate, showcasing 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 founder and chairman of the Simba Group, which operates in hospitality, farming, mining, and real estate. He is also a published author and a vocal advocate for entrepreneurship in Uganda.
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 conglomerate with interests in aluminum manufacturing, real estate, milk processing, and forex trading. His family’s business legacy dates back to 1939, solidifying his role as a legacy entrepreneur in Uganda.
Conclusion
Uganda’s richest individuals are instrumental in driving the nation’s economic growth. Their ventures span key industries such as real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, and hospitality, reflecting the country’s potential as a regional economic powerhouse. These entrepreneurs not only inspire the next generation but also contribute to shaping Uganda’s future development. As the nation continues its upward trajectory, their influence will undoubtedly remain pivotal.
