By Frank Kamuntu
Sheena Ruparelia, a prominent Ugandan business leader and philanthropist, stands as a transformative force in Uganda’s economic and social landscape. As a key figure in the Ruparelia Group and a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, Sheena combines business acumen with a heartfelt commitment to public good—an approach that earned her a prestigious national medal in 2025 for elevating Uganda’s international standing.
Born on December 23, 1988, to billionaire entrepreneur Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Sheena was raised in a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. That environment nurtured her ambition early on and set the stage for a career defined by resilience, vision, and impact.
A Global Education With Local Purpose
Sheena’s academic journey began at Kabira International School in Kampala before she moved to the United Kingdom to attend St. Helens High School in London. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accountancy from City University, London—credentials that would prove instrumental in her rise through the ranks of Uganda’s corporate world.
Climbing The Corporate Ladder With Purpose
Sheena’s professional career began at Crane Bank Limited, a core arm of the Ruparelia Group. Starting as a cashier, she quickly proved her capabilities, rising to the role of Business Development Manager. Her leadership helped expand the bank’s reach and reinforced its reputation before it was sold in 2016.
Following the sale, Sheena transitioned to Meera Investments, the group’s real estate and hospitality arm, where she currently serves as Director. She oversees some of Uganda’s most iconic properties, including Speke Resort Munyonyo—venue for the 2025 Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China summits—along with Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments Kitante, and Bukoto Living. Under her stewardship, these properties have become benchmarks of excellence in the region’s hospitality and real estate sectors.
Her pivotal role in preparing Speke Resort Convention Centre for the 2025 international summits earned her national recognition. On January 26, 2025, during Uganda’s 39th National Resistance Movement (NRM) Liberation Day celebrations in Mubende District, Sheena was awarded a national medal for her outstanding contribution to Uganda’s global image.
A Heart For Humanity
Beyond boardrooms and business ventures, Sheena’s greatest legacy may lie in her philanthropic work. As a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, she leads initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of Uganda’s most vulnerable children, particularly orphans in rural communities.
Her on-the-ground involvement—visiting remote villages and listening to stories of hardship—has fueled efforts to provide scholarships, distribute school supplies, host medical camps, promote health awareness, and build homes and orphanages for child-led families. Her approach to philanthropy, which combines empathy with action, has earned her widespread admiration as a leader who balances profit with purpose.
A Life Of Grace & Strength
In 2016, Sheena married Jay Sakaria in a grand ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel, followed by a reception at the Dorchester Hotel—an event that drew media attention for its elegance and scale, reportedly costing around UGX 5 billion. Despite her public status, Sheena maintains a largely private family life. She and Jay are parents to two daughters, and she is deeply devoted to her roles as wife, mother, and sister.
In May 2025, Sheena and her sister Meera paid a moving tribute to their late brother, Rajiv Ruparelia, underscoring the strength of familial bonds within the Ruparelia family.
While Sheena maintains a limited presence on social media, her impact speaks volumes.
Legacy In Motion
Sheena Ruparelia embodies a rare combination of strategic intellect, compassionate leadership, and personal integrity. Her contributions to Uganda’s economic growth and global visibility—especially through hosting high-profile international events—have not only cemented her place in the country’s business elite but also inspired a new generation of Ugandans.
Whether she is steering a multimillion-dollar investment or changing a child’s life in rural Uganda, Sheena’s vision continues to shape the nation’s future. Her story is far from over—and her journey promises even greater impact in the years ahead.
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