Billionaire businessman, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia and friends, on Wednesday, December 2022 paid a courtesy visit to retired Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala at his residence at Nsambya, where he carried gifts and a cake to celebrate the retired prelate’s 96th birthday and 65th priestly anniversary.
The businessman was accompanied by among others, businessman Ephraim Ntaganda and Commercial and Corporate lawyer, Alex Ruzida.
“He is a symbol of unity, he led the faithful well and was never segregating; he is a man of God that should be celebrated every day and emulated,” Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia told CEO East Africa soon after the visit.
“2022 has been a tough year, but we made it out alive. So the visit was partly to show gratitude and get blessings for the festive season and the years ahead,” said the businessman.
Cardinal Wamala was born in the Kamaggwa parish of Lwaggulwe Masaka district, Uganda. He was ordained, on 21 December 1957, in the chapel of the Pontifical Collegio Urbaniano, Rome, by Pietro Sigismondi.
He studied in Rome from 1957 to 1960 and had further studies in Uganda and the United States, as well as pastoral ministry in the diocese of Masaka, from 1960 to 1981. He obtained a Bachelor of Theology. During this time he also served as inspector of diocesan schools and faculty member of the Minor Seminary of Bukalasa, chaplain and faculty member, and Rector of the University of Makerere. He served as vicar general of the diocese of Masaka from 1974 to 1981.
He was consecrated as Bishop on 22 November 1981 by Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga. On 26th November 1994, he was created Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
He retired on the 19th of August 2006.
Billionaire with a big heart
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia is not only big on business, but he also has a big heart. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Ruparelia Foundation through which group businesses are regular and substantial supporters of various community, national and individual causes.
Some of the causes include healthcare, arts and culture, heritage and religion, environmental and wildlife conservation, agricultural research, education and talent development, and sports. Since the Foundation was created, the Group has donated more than USD 1 million (UGX3.6 billion) to several charitable causes.
Individually and as a family, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia also participates in many philanthropic initiatives to alleviate poverty and hardship amongst disadvantaged members of Ugandan communities.