By Joseph muyingo
Ugandan businessman and Nepal’s Honorary Consul to Uganda, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, has used his diplomatic position to express Uganda’s solidarity with Nepal as the Asian country confronts the devastating effects of floods in the Himalayan region.
Ruparelia conveyed condolences to families who lost loved ones and expressed support for communities affected by the disaster, while commending rescue teams, security agencies, volunteers and ordinary citizens involved in the emergency response.
His message comes in his capacity as Nepal’s Honorary Consul to Uganda, a diplomatic role he has held since 2020 and which has positioned him as a link between the two countries.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy,” Ruparelia said.
The businessman also called for strength and a swift recovery for the affected communities, saying Uganda stands with the people of Nepal during the difficult period.
The floods have caused widespread destruction in parts of Nepal and the Himalayan region, affecting homes, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure.
Rescue operations have been complicated by continued bad weather and difficult terrain, with authorities working to reach isolated communities and account for people reported missing.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, the disaster is expected to create a major reconstruction challenge for Nepal, with roads, bridges, power projects and other infrastructure requiring significant investment to restore.
The crisis has also affected the tourism sector, which remains an important part of Nepal’s economy, as the Himalayan country hosts international visitors, tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.
Ruparelia’s statement highlights the broader role of honorary consuls in maintaining relationships between countries where formal diplomatic missions may be limited.
He was appointed Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Uganda in 2020 and later presented his credentials to Uganda’s then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa.
The appointment marked the establishment of Nepal’s first consulate in Uganda, creating an official platform through which the two countries could promote diplomatic, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations.
As Honorary Consul, Ruparelia has been involved in representing Nepal’s interests in Uganda while supporting stronger relations between the two countries.
His latest intervention demonstrates how such diplomatic relationships can also become important during humanitarian emergencies, allowing countries and their representatives to communicate solidarity beyond formal government channels.
The floods have prompted Nepal to seek specialised international assistance as authorities deal with rescue operations, damaged transport and communication networks, identification of victims and the restoration of essential infrastructure.
International partners have also responded with relief supplies and technical support as the scale of the destruction continues to emerge.
For Uganda, Ruparelia’s message provides a humanitarian dimension to the growing relationship between the two countries, reinforcing the importance of international solidarity when communities face major disasters.
As Nepal begins the difficult process of rescue, recovery and reconstruction, the Honorary Consul says Uganda remains in solidarity with the Nepalese people.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal and pray for their safety, strength and swift recovery,” Ruparelia said.
