**By Watchdog Uganda Staff |
ARUA, Uganda – In a glittering ceremony that underscored Uganda’s burgeoning tourism sector, business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia was bestowed the prestigious Golden Flamingo Trophy on Saturday, September 27, 2025, during the national World Tourism Day celebrations at the Arua City Golf Course. The accolade, presented amid regional delegates and high-ranking officials, celebrates Ruparelia’s pivotal role in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, positioning him as a beacon for sustainable development in the Pearl of Africa.
Presided over by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as Chief Guest, the event drew dignitaries from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan, alongside government officials, tourism stakeholders, and international guests. The West Nile region’s vibrant hospitality took center stage, with Arua—strategically located as a cross-border gateway—serving as the ideal host for fostering regional ties. Nabbanja lauded the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for orchestrating the festivities, while praising Arua’s residents for their “unwavering warmth and organizational prowess.”
Under the 2025 global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the celebrations highlighted tourism’s transformative power in driving economic resilience and cultural exchange. Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group and Speke Group, received the award for his “game-changing” contributions to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage. His initiatives have revitalized national parks, protected endangered species, and empowered local communities through eco-friendly projects that blend conservation with economic upliftment. A senior tourism official remarked, “His vision has set a global standard,” crediting Ruparelia’s efforts with elevating Uganda’s profile among nature enthusiasts worldwide.
Ruparelia’s journey in tourism exemplifies private sector innovation amid public-private partnerships. Through investments in high-end lodges, wildlife sanctuaries, and community-led conservation programs, he has not only boosted visitor numbers but also generated jobs and revenue streams for rural economies. Watchdog Uganda has long tracked Ruparelia’s portfolio, noting his ventures—from the luxurious Speke Resort Munyonyo to eco-lodges in prime safari circuits—as key drivers of Uganda’s post-pandemic tourism rebound. In 2024 alone, these efforts contributed to a 15% surge in wildlife tourism arrivals, per Ministry data, underscoring the sector’s potential to anchor GDP growth.
Yet, as Uganda eyes a tourism-led economic leap, questions linger on sustainability and equity. While Ruparelia’s model has inspired similar private investments, critics in past Watchdog reports have flagged uneven benefits, with urban hubs like Kampala reaping disproportionate gains over remote areas like Karamoja. The Arua event, however, signaled a shift: Nabbanja announced plans for enhanced cross-border tourism corridors, leveraging Arua’s proximity to DRC and South Sudan for shared eco-trails and cultural festivals. “This is not just a celebration; it’s a blueprint for inclusive growth,” she declared, calling for more youth and women-led tourism enterprises.
Ruparelia, accepting the trophy with characteristic poise, reaffirmed his pledge to deepen investments in hospitality and conservation. “Uganda’s wild heart is our greatest asset—let’s nurture it for generations,” he said, hinting at upcoming expansions in green energy-integrated resorts. His honor comes at a opportune moment, as Uganda prepares for the 2026 tourism masterplan review, which aims to double sector revenues by 2030.
The Golden Flamingo, a symbol of grace and resilience mirroring Uganda’s iconic birdlife, caps a year of milestones for Ruparelia, including recent accolades from the Uganda Investment Authority. As World Tourism Day echoes fade, the event leaves a clarion call: For tourism to truly transform, it must bridge boardrooms and villages, ensuring every Ugandan shares in the safari spoils.
With Arua’s festivities setting a regional tone, stakeholders urge swift action on infrastructure—roads, digital booking platforms, and anti-poaching tech—to match ambition with accessibility. Watchdog Uganda will monitor these commitments, holding leaders accountable in the pursuit of a tourism sector that lifts all boats.
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