Uganda boasts a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industrialists who have built impressive business empires spanning various industries. These visionaries have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economy and positioning Uganda as a hub for regional growth and investment. Below is Bizmart’s definitive list of Uganda’s wealthiest individuals in 2025, ranked by their net worth.
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 is Uganda’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth of $1.4 billion. As the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Foundation, his business empire encompasses banking, real estate, insurance, education, floriculture, and hospitality. His portfolio includes luxury hotels, iconic commercial buildings, and upscale resorts, making him a cornerstone of the Ugandan 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, has emerged as a dynamic force in Uganda’s real estate and construction sectors. As CEO of Ham Group of Companies, he has developed numerous high-profile properties in Kampala. Ham is also an author, with works like Success and Failure Based on Reason and Reality, showcasing his intellectual and entrepreneurial acumen.
3. Drake Lubega – $1 Billion
- Famous As: CEO of Jesco Industries Limited
Drake Lubega is one of Uganda’s leading real estate magnates. His vast property portfolio dominates Kampala, with nearly half of the city’s landmark buildings under his ownership. Through Jesco Industries, Lubega has diversified his investments, ensuring consistent growth and expansion.
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, with ventures in hospitality, oil, manufacturing, and automotive services. He owns the popular CJ’s Restaurant chain, which operates in Uganda and Nairobi. Mandela also serves as president of Sports Club Villa, a leading football team in Uganda.
5. Charles Mbire – $500 Million
- Date of Birth: 1959
- Famous As: Chairman of MTN Uganda
Charles Mbire is a prominent businessman and investor in Uganda. As chairman of MTN Uganda and the Uganda Securities Exchange, his wealth comes from investments in telecommunications, finance, and infrastructure. He also has stakes in Rift Valley Railways and Ecobank Uganda, cementing his status as a boardroom guru.
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 transitioned from medicine to business and founded the Roofings Group, one of East Africa’s largest steel manufacturers. His company plays a critical role in regional infrastructure development, supplying high-quality construction materials to multiple countries.
7. Aaron Mukooza – $200 Million
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1979
- Place of Birth: Kampala, Uganda
Aaron Mukooza is a private investor with ventures in banking and media. Despite maintaining a low profile, Mukooza’s strategic investments have placed him among Uganda’s wealthiest individuals, solidifying his influence in the financial and media sectors.
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 a household name in Uganda, known for his ownership of Spear Motors Uganda, the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country. His entrepreneurial ventures also span media, tourism, agriculture, and real estate, showcasing his versatility.
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 of the Simba Group, a conglomerate with operations in hospitality, farming, mining, and real estate. As an author and advocate for entrepreneurship, Bitature inspires many aspiring business leaders 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 specializing in aluminum manufacturing, real estate, milk processing, and forex trading. His family’s involvement in manufacturing dates back to 1939, making Mukesh a legacy entrepreneur.
Conclusion
Uganda’s wealthiest individuals have played a pivotal role in the nation’s economic transformation, driving growth across industries such as real estate, telecommunications, manufacturing, and hospitality. Their stories of determination and innovation highlight the immense potential of entrepreneurship in Uganda. As the country continues to develop, these influential figures will remain instrumental in shaping its future, serving as inspirations for the next generation of business leaders.
