Sheena Ruparelia, an accomplished Ugandan businesswoman and philanthropist, stands as a pillar of the Ruparelia Group and the Ruparelia Foundation, driving progress in both economic and social spheres. Born on December 23, 1988, to billionaire entrepreneur Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, she was raised in an environment steeped in entrepreneurial ambition, which shaped her trajectory from a determined student to a nationally recognized leader. Her journey, defined by academic excellence, professional grit, and a deep commitment to social good, culminated in a prestigious national medal in 2025, celebrating her contributions to Uganda’s global prominence.
Her educational path blended local roots with international exposure. She began at Kabira International School in Kampala, a leading institution, before studying at St. Helens High School in London, where she embraced a new cultural and academic landscape. She completed her education at City University, London, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accountancy, a degree that armed her with the financial and strategic expertise essential for her future roles.
Sheena’s career took root at Crane Bank Limited, a cornerstone of the Ruparelia Group, where she started as a cashier, immersing herself in the operational details of banking. Her talent and work ethic propelled her to Business Development Manager, where she expanded the bank’s influence and sharpened her leadership skills. After the bank’s sale in 2016, she joined Meera Investments, the Ruparelia Group’s real estate and hospitality division, as a Director. She oversees a portfolio of landmark properties, including Speke Resort Munyonyo, which hosted the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China summits in 2025, alongside Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments Kitante, and Bukoto Living. Her strategic vision has elevated these assets to symbols of quality, cementing the Ruparelia Group’s dominance in Uganda’s market. Her leadership in preparing the Speke Resort Convention Centre for the 2025 summits earned her a national medal on January 26, 2025, during Uganda’s 39th National Resistance Movement Liberation Day celebrations in Mubende District, as reported by Watchdog Uganda, underscoring her role in positioning Uganda as a global conference destination.
Philanthropy lies at the heart of Sheena’s mission. As a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, she dedicates herself to improving the lives of disadvantaged children, especially orphans in rural Uganda. Her visits to remote villages, where she encountered the hardships of vulnerable communities, fueled her resolve to act. Through the foundation, she has championed scholarships, school supplies, medical camps, health awareness programs, and the construction of homes for child-led families and orphanages. These initiatives have reshaped lives, offering pathways out of poverty and earning her widespread respect as a leader who blends profit with purpose, as highlighted on the Ruparelia Foundation’s website.
In her personal life, Sheena embodies grace and strength. She married Jay Sakaria in 2016 in an opulent ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London, followed by a reception at the Dorchester Hotel, an event reported by New Vision to have cost approximately 5 billion Ugandan Shillings. She and Jay have two daughters and maintain a private family life despite their public roles. In May 2025, Sheena and her sister Meera shared a heartfelt tribute to their late brother, Rajiv Ruparelia, reflecting the deep bonds within the Ruparelia family. Her public presence on social platforms is limited, with her achievements and family moments primarily featured in media coverage.
The national medal awarded to Sheena in 2025 recognized her transformative impact on Uganda’s international reputation. Her meticulous management of the Speke Resort Convention Centre during the 2025 summits elevated Uganda’s profile, while also spurring tourism and economic growth. The social media handle “ManofKings_” mentioned in the query showed no link to Sheena through public sources, suggesting it may belong to an unrelated individual.
Sheena Ruparelia’s legacy is one of vision, impact, and compassion. Her leadership in the Ruparelia Group has fortified a business empire, while her work with the Ruparelia Foundation has empowered Uganda’s most vulnerable. Her ability to excel in these arenas, while remaining a devoted wife, mother, and sister, highlights her extraordinary versatility. As Uganda advances as a regional and global player, Sheena’s contributions—whether through hosting world-class summits or uplifting rural children—mark her as a driving force. Her story, still unfolding, holds the promise of continued innovation and inspiration, shaping Uganda’s future with a blend of ambition and humanity.
