KAMPALA — Delegates, diplomats, cultural leaders, and Pan-African advocates gathered at the Speke Resort Munyonyo for the 9th Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards, an annual event dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions to Africa’s socio-economic transformation, unity, and development.
Organised by the Pan-African Pyramid—an organization committed to advancing Pan-Africanism, patriotism, and intellectual engagement—the ceremony serves as a key platform for celebrating continental excellence and fostering dialogue on Africa’s future.
Posthumous Honour for Rajiv Ruparelia
A central highlight of the ceremony was the posthumous recognition of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, who was awarded the prestigious Humanitarian Achievement Award.
Rajiv was eulogised for stepping outside the comfort of his family background to build independent commercial ventures that generated thousands of jobs and accelerated economic growth across Uganda. The Ruparelia Group currently employs up to 10,000 people, with employment capacity projected to expand further as major ongoing development projects near completion.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, attended the ceremony alongside family members to receive the honor on behalf of his late son. During the ceremony, attendees also eulogised King Oyo of Tooro, recalling his ties to the family’s educational ventures as a former student of Kampala International School Uganda.
High-Profile Delegates and Keynote Addresses
The gathering brought together several prominent figures driving intellectual and social discourse on the continent:
- Bishop Joshua Maponga: The Zimbabwean-born public speaker, author, philosopher, and social entrepreneur was among the distinguished guests. Known for advocating an authentic, self-sustaining Africa, Maponga urged Africans to build systems anchored in traditional values and collective responsibility.
- Ayo Kimathi: The US-based Pan-Africanist delivered a scheduled message addressing modern socio-economic challenges, calling on African societies to resist contemporary forms of external dependency.
The 9th PAP Global Awards reaffirmed the organization’s mission to highlight leadership that creates a lasting local footprint while contributing to a unified, self-reliant Africa.
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