URA Moves Key Departments to Ruparelia Group’s RR Pearl Tower, Adding to Billionaire’s Growing Government Rental Portfolio
October 14, 2025
KAMPALA – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has begun relocating several vital departments from its Nakawa headquarters to the newly completed RR Pearl Tower, a premium commercial complex developed by Sudhir Ruparelia’s Ruparelia Group, in a move that continues the trend of government agencies leasing space from the prominent businessman’s properties across Kampala.
The relocation, which places additional millions of monthly rental income into Sudhir’s already substantial portfolio of government tenants, is described by URA as a strategic initiative to “enhance efficiency, accessibility, and client experience” while bringing services closer to taxpayers in the city’s business hub.
Phased Relocation Schedule
According to public notices issued by URA management, the transition to the 19-floor tower along Yusuf Lule Road opposite the Ministry of Health headquarters is being conducted in two phases between October 10 and 19, 2025.
The departments moving and their new locations within the tower are detailed in the table below:
Department Floors Occupied Operational Start Date
Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) 13th and 14th October 13, 2025
Public Sector & Medium Taxpayers Office (PSO & MTO) 11th and 12th October 13, 2025
Risk and Strategy Department 15th October 20, 2025
Petroleum Division 13th October 20, 2025
URA emphasized that all relocated departments will maintain their service standards despite the address change. “Our commitment remains the same to deliver efficient, transparent, and people-centered services. The move to Pearl Tower aligns with our vision of transforming tax administration through innovation and client satisfaction,” URA stated in their official notice.
Premium Office Infrastructure
The RR Pearl Tower, developed by Meera Investments Limited (a subsidiary of the Ruparelia Group), stands as one of Kampala’s newest Grade-A office complexes, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, 24/7 security, high-speed internet connectivity, and ample parking.
The building has recently been renamed RR Pearl Tower One by business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia in honor of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who tragically passed away in May this year. The tower represents the first phase of the Ruparelia Group’s ambitious business park project, offering 16 floors of premium office space and three levels of secure parking.
Existing Government Rental Agreements
The URA relocation adds another significant government tenant to Ruparelia’s portfolio, which already includes multiple major government institutions. According to records, various government ministries and departments currently pay substantial monthly rents to Sudhir Ruparelia’s companies.
A fact-checking analysis of these payments revealed that the total monthly rent collected from government entities amounts to approximately shs3.15 billion, contrary to the often-cited figure of shs2.9 billion. This substantial monthly income translates to approximately shs71,916 per minute, according to calculations based on the verified totals.
The breakdown of major government tenants includes:
· Parliament of Uganda: shs860,000,000 monthly
· Ministry of Justice: shs450,000,000 monthly
· Uganda Revenue Authority: shs300,000,000 monthly
· Electoral Commission: shs300,000,000 monthly
· Ministry of ICT: shs320,000,000 monthly
Political Scrutiny and Legal Defense
The concentration of government rental contracts with Sudhir’s properties has drawn criticism from some legislators. Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju has publicly questioned the arrangement, demanding investigations into how Sudhir repeatedly secures lucrative government contracts.
However, legal experts and public commentators have clarified that no laws are being breached by these rental deals. “GoU isn’t in real estate [business]. Sudhir is. It’s his core business. They’ve done business for ages. What’s the issue?” commented public commentator Allan Kassujja.
The debate has extended to parliamentary WhatsApp groups, with Nakaseke South MP Paul Luttamaguzi Ssemakula revealing that some legislators are considering requesting a select committee to examine the connection between Sudhir and the government.
Expanding Business Empire
Through his companies Meera Investments Ltd and Crane Management Services Ltd, Sudhir Ruparelia has become one of the leading estate developers in Uganda, with an impressive portfolio including Kingdom Kampala, Hardware City, Market Plaza, and Kampala Boulevard.
The Ruparelia Group’s ambitions continue to grow with plans to redevelop the former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) headquarters on Yusuf Lule Road into The Pearl Business Park. This 18-acre project will include office premises, a shopping centre, a modern hospital, and a 5-star hotel upon completion.
Sudhir’s business empire extends beyond real estate to encompass education, hotels, hospitality, floriculture, media, insurance, and banking. His net worth was estimated at $1.1 billion in 2012, cementing his position as Uganda’s richest man.
A Continuing Trend
The relocation of URA offices to RR Pearl Tower represents more than just a change of address—it signifies the continuing expansion of Sudhir Ruparelia’s influence in Uganda’s commercial real estate sector and his ongoing business relationships with government entities.
As URA begins operations from its new premises this October, the move reinforces Ruparelia Group’s position as a dominant force in Uganda’s property market while adding another chapter to the ongoing discussion about public expenditures on private rental properties.
