Arua, Uganda – Uganda’s tourism industry sparkled this weekend as billionaire businessman Sudhir Ruparelia was crowned with the Golden Flamingo Trophy during the national World Tourism Day celebrations in Arua City.
The colorful ceremony, held at the Arua Golf Course on Saturday, September 27, 2025, recognized Sudhir’s outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. The award was presented before a crowd of regional delegates, government leaders, and international guests, with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presiding as Chief Guest.
This year’s global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” set the tone for the event. Nabbanja praised the people of Arua for their “unwavering warmth and organization,” calling the city a shining gateway for cross-border tourism with neighbors DR Congo and South Sudan.
Sudhir, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group and Speke Group, was hailed for his “game-changing” investments that have revived national parks, protected endangered species, and created eco-friendly projects benefiting local communities. A senior tourism official noted: “His vision has set a global standard, putting Uganda firmly on the map for nature lovers.”
From luxury resorts like Speke Resort Munyonyo to eco-lodges across safari circuits, Sudhir’s ventures have fueled Uganda’s post-pandemic tourism rebound. According to Ministry data, his projects helped drive a 15% surge in wildlife tourism arrivals in 2024, boosting jobs and rural incomes.
Yet, discussions of sustainability and equity linger. Past critics have argued that urban hubs reap more benefits than remote regions. But in Arua, Nabbanja unveiled new plans for cross-border eco-trails and cultural festivals, saying the future of tourism must include youth and women-led enterprises.
Accepting the Golden Flamingo with humility, Sudhir pledged to expand investments in green energy-integrated resorts. “Uganda’s wild heart is our greatest asset—let’s nurture it for generations,” he said, aligning with the country’s 2026 Tourism Masterplan that targets doubling revenues by 2030.
The Golden Flamingo, a symbol of Uganda’s graceful birdlife, capped a year of milestones for Sudhir, who has also been honored by the Uganda Investment Authority.
As the celebrations faded, one clear message rang out: Uganda’s tourism can only thrive if it bridges boardrooms and villages. With Arua leading the way, stakeholders now call for urgent improvements in roads, digital booking systems, and anti-poaching technology to turn the dream of inclusive tourism into reality.
