As we celebrate Women’s Day today, March 8, we take a look at some of the richest women in Uganda.
Jyotsna Ruparelia
She is wife to Uganda’s business mogul, Sudhir Ruparelia, and is also the director Ruparelia Group, Kabira Country Club and Kabira International School, among others. The businesses are valued in millions of dollars. She also closely manages Meera Investments, under which the Ruparelias own a chain of prime property in the country.
Maria Kiwanuka
Currently the finance minister, Maria Kiwanuka has been in the business world for quite some time. She is the managing director of Radio One, which is considered to be the most profitable radio station in Uganda. She also owns Akabozi ku Biri, a local FM radio station and Maria’s Galleria, a shopping arcade in the city centre. Kiwanuka is an MBA graduate from the London School of Economics.
Kiwanuka has previously worked with the World Bank as an economist and financial analyst (in the 1980s). She has also served as a non-executive director on the board of directors of Aga Khan Foundation (East Africa), The Nabagereka Development Trust, Nkumba University, Uganda Development Bank and Stanbic Bank Uganda. She is married to Mohan Kiwanuka, the managing director of Oscar Industries.
Julian Adyeri Omalla
Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda’s top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country’s most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name ‘Cheers’.
Sylvia Namutebi aka MAMA FINA
She is a celebrated cultural practitioner real name Sylvia Namutebi is the chairperson of the Uganda Traditional Healers Association. Her story is a true story of from Rags to Riches because of witch craft. Other businesses include, boutiques and estates
Nina Karugaba
You have probably come across a Nina Interiors branch around Kampala or in Rwanda. Nina Karugaba is the proud owner of that franchise. The store is a one-stop centre for domestic, hotel and office furniture. With 19 years' experience in the bag, Karugaba has managed to amass properties in Kampala and Kabale.
Prudence Ukkonika
As the chief executive officer of K Roma Limited, Ukkonika’s wine and juice products bring in millions of money annually.
Maggie Kigozi
Margaret Blick Kigozi, commonly known as Maggie Kigozi, is a Ugandan medical doctor, business consultant, educator, and sportswoman. She is a consultant at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Maggie has shares in the Crown bottlers (Pepsi) where she is also a director. She is stinking rich.
Amina Hersitrue
Hersi was not born in Uganda, is a Kenyan entrepreneur. She has launched several multimillion-dollar projects in Uganda. Her investments include Oasis Shopping Mall in Kampala's central business district and the Laburnam Courts Apartments, on Nakasero Hill adjacent to State House. Her enterprising work was recognised in 2008, when she was awarded the Woman Investor of the Year award.
Morine Wavamunno
As the executive director of Wavamunno Group of Companies, Morine’s pay is not that of an ordinary woman, which puts her among the wealthiest women in Uganda. The companies under her tutelage include Wavah Water, WBS TV and Spear Motors, whose turnover is valued in billions of shillings.
Babirye Mugerwa
Babirye is one of the top female tycoons in downtown Kampala. She owns H&B Plaza, Yamaha Center and Park View buildings. She also owns hostels in Makerere Kikoni. It is said that Babirye is one of the first business ladies to import merchandise from Dubai in the early 90s.
Now she imports from as far as Japan, China and Thailand. She started only in cosmetics business before graduating to other businesses. A few years back she threw a lavish wedding ceremony when she married one Mugerwa.
Sarah Kizito
She is the proprietor of Lady Charlotte, a modern salon and bridal shop that caters for today’s affluent women. She also owns Nalongo Estates, which last year was entangled in a land row with KCCA over the Centenary Park land.
Judy Rugasira Kyanda
Rugasira is the managing director of Knight Frank Uganda, a property consultancy, real estate and management company. She is doing well in a business still dominated by men. She has a lot experience in real estate, which she acquire from the UK. Under this company, Rugasira handles Rwenzori Courts, Rwenzori Towers, Workers House and Crested Towers, among others. These buildings house most of Uganda’s lucrative and prestigious business enterprises and government offices.
Tereza Mbire
Despite being the mother to one of the richest people in Uganda, Charles Mbire, Tereza Mbire has built her own empire. She is the founder of Uganda Women Finance Institution, a microfinance for women. She is also the founder of Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association (UWEAL). Mbire owns Kampala Florists, Home Pride Bakery and Pop in Industries, which specialises in making clothes.
[Credit to New Vision]
