Sarrai Group's Ugandan Business Empire Under Scrutiny

Sarrai Group's Ugandan business empire has been under scrutiny for its vast operations across the country.

The group has a significant presence in the agriculture sector, with large-scale farming and livestock operations.

Sarrai Group's agricultural activities have raised concerns about land grabbing and displacement of local communities.

The company's operations have also been linked to tax evasion and corruption allegations, which have sparked widespread criticism.

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The Sarrai Group has a rich and fascinating history that spans generations. The group's story begins with the father of Sarbjit Singh Rai, who migrated from his native India and established businesses in Kenya.

Sarbjit Singh Rai's father was not alone in his entrepreneurial endeavors; his brother, Tarlochan Singh Rai, also established his own chain of businesses in Kenya.

After the two brothers passed away, their sons expanded and diversified the businesses, which operate separately. This expansion marked a significant turning point in the history of the Sarrai Group.

Sarbjit Singh Rai moved to Uganda and started the Sarrai Group, while his cousin Jaswant Rai stayed in Kenya and operated three sugar plantations: West Kenya Sugar Limited, Sukari Industries Limited, and Olepito Sugar Limited.

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Sarrai Group has made significant strides in the Ugandan mining sector through its involvement in the Kilembe Mines re-development.

In March 2025, the Ugandan government signed an agreement with the Sarrai Group and its subsidiary company, Nile Fiberboard Limited, to re-open the mine.

The entities involved in the re-development include the Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Uganda Ministry of Finance, Sarrai Group, and Nile Fiberboard Limited.

The new investors, Sarrai Group and Nile Fiberboard Limited, are expected to fund the re-opening of the mine and extract copper and cobalt.

The re-opened mine is expected to employ over 1,000 Ugandans.

Here's a breakdown of the entities involved in the Kilembe Mines re-development:

The Sarrai Group has been involved in several notable business deals over the years, including the acquisition of a major retail chain in the Middle East.

This deal marked a significant expansion of the group's retail portfolio, with the company now operating a large number of stores across the region.

The Sarrai Group has also invested in various real estate projects, including a major development in Dubai.

This project, which includes residential and commercial properties, is a prime example of the group's commitment to diversifying its investments.

The group's business dealings have also taken it into the energy sector, with a significant stake in an oil and gas company.

This move into the energy sector has provided the group with a new source of revenue and helped to further diversify its portfolio.

The Sarrai Group's business deals have been shaped by its commitment to long-term growth and its focus on expanding its operations in new and emerging markets.

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The High Court is set to rule on a petition challenging the leasing of Mumias Sugar Company to Sarrai Group. This case has been ongoing since December 2021.

Sarrai Group won the bid to lease the assets of Mumias Sugar Company, a 20-year lease that does not cover the miller's ethanol and cogen plants.

The group has no sugar interests in Kenya at present, but runs three sugar factories in Uganda, covering 20,000 hectares under cane production.

Sarrai Group trounced seven other bidders to secure the leasing deal, including Tumaz and Tumaz Enterprises.

The court has already extended orders barring Sarrai Group from taking over operations of Mumias Sugar Company pending the determination of the petition filed by five farmers.