Sheena Ruparelia (born 23 December 1988) is a Ugandan businesswoman, real estate developer, and philanthropist. She is the daughter of billionaire Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Jyotsna Ruparelia, founders of the Ruparelia Group of Companies.
Raised in a family known for entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Sheena pursued her education in both Uganda and the United Kingdom. She later graduated from City, University of London, with a BSc in Economics and Accountancy, equipping her with skills that would shape her corporate journey.
Career Beginnings
Sheena began her career at Crane Bank, one of the family’s flagship businesses at the time. Starting as a cashier, she gained experience in day-to-day financial operations before rising to the position of Business Development Manager.
Following the closure of Crane Bank in 2016, Sheena transitioned into the family’s real estate and hospitality ventures under Meera Investments and the Speke Group of Hotels. In 2017, she was formally appointed as a Director in the Ruparelia Group, focusing on real estate development and the hospitality portfolio.
Role at the Ruparelia Group
At present, Sheena Ruparelia is a Director at the Ruparelia Group, Uganda’s largest privately owned conglomerate, which operates across finance, real estate, education, hospitality, and agriculture. Her key focus areas are:
- Real Estate: Overseeing large-scale residential and commercial projects, including Bukoto Living and Tagore Living, both launched as modern apartment complexes in Kampala.
- Hospitality: Managing the Speke Group of Hotels, including the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo and the Speke Resort Convention Centre.
- Event Venues: Leading the planning and execution of Uganda’s largest convention venue, the 56,000-square-metre Speke Resort Convention Centre, which successfully hosted the NAM and G77+China summits in January 2025.
Her execution of these projects has positioned the Ruparelia Group as a leader in conference tourism and real estate development.
Achievements and Recognition
Sheena’s leadership has been widely recognized:
- In January 2025, she was awarded a National Diamond Jubilee Medal by President Yoweri Museveni for her role in preparing Uganda to host the NAM and G77+China summits.
- She was also praised for delivering the 4,400-seater convention auditorium and a floating restaurant at Speke Resort on time, elevating Uganda’s profile as a hub for international conferences.
- President Museveni symbolically gifted her cows as a gesture of appreciation for her contribution.
Her recognition has cemented her place among Uganda’s new generation of influential business leaders.
Philanthropy
Beyond business, Sheena is a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, the charitable arm of the group. Through the foundation, she has supported:
- Health initiatives, such as a free medical eye camp in Kamuli in 2022 that included cataract surgeries.
- Child welfare programs, including donations to orphanages and schools.
- Community empowerment projects, with emphasis on clean water and rural health awareness campaigns.
Her philanthropic work reflects her vision of combining business success with social responsibility.
Public Engagements
Sheena has also been active in public discourse. She has:
- Spoken on women and development at Victoria University Kampala, emphasizing confidence, equal opportunity, and education.
- Helped revive the popular Royal Ascot Goat Races in 2018, showcasing her role in Kampala’s social and cultural life.
Her reserved but effective leadership style has earned her a reputation as both a strategic businesswoman and a community advocate.
Personal Life
In 2016, Sheena married Jay Sakaria in London, with ceremonies held at The Savoy and The Dorchester. The couple has two daughters, born in 2019 and 2022.
Despite her family prominence, Sheena has kept a relatively private personal life while focusing on building her professional legacy within the Ruparelia empire.
Conclusion
The question of whether Sheena Ruparelia has replaced her brother Rajiv Ruparelia in managing the Ruparelia Group remains speculative. As of 2025, Rajiv continues as the Managing Director, while Sheena strengthens her influence in real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy. Together, they represent the next generation of leadership in Uganda’s largest conglomerate.
Sheena’s journey showcases the blend of tradition, innovation, and family legacy—qualities that continue to define the Ruparelia Group. Her rise is a clear sign that the future of the empire is in strong, capable hands.
