On this day in 2025, businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and only son of city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, died in a motor accident along the Entebbe Express Highway after losing control of his vehicle and hitting a pavement at the Busabala flyover traffic lights in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
Rajiv was reportedly en route from Kajjansi towards Speke Resort, Munyonyo, in preparation for a wedding scheduled for the following day, where he was to serve as the best man. At around 01:45am, he lost control of a Nissan GT-R, registration number UAT 638L, which, after hitting the pavement, overturned and caught fire, killing him instantly.
Taking to social media, tributes poured in shortly after his passing was confirmed, with many celebrating Rajiv’s life and legacy.
Veteran journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda described Rajiv as someone who “loved life and lived it to the fullest.” He noted that, despite his love for fun, Rajiv was deeply driven and passionate about the family business, to which he devoted immense energy and talent. Mwenda added that he was “courageous, tenacious, and unrelenting in the pursuit of family justice.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among said Rajiv’s death had deprived the country of “a young and enterprising mind who made significant contributions to our economy and the employment sector.”
Her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, described Rajiv as a man who was “full of life and loved this country with all his heart,” adding that, like his father, he was an “accomplished entrepreneur with a strong commitment to humanity”.
Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, described the late Rajiv as a kind, innovative, and visionary leader whose contribution to Uganda’s education sector was truly transformative. He noted that Rajiv’s forward-thinking approach helped reshape educational standards in the country, creating a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit future generations.
Muganga further stated that Uganda had lost a remarkable individual who deeply understood the world and positively influenced many lives.
“Rajiv will always be remembered through every student who benefits from the kind of education he championed,” he said.
A few days after his death, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, thousands of mourners gathered at Lugogo Hindu Crematorium to pay their last respects.
Relatives and friends had, since Rajiv’s passing, gathered at the Ruparelia family home in Kololo, where dignitaries, local leaders, and community members arrived dressed in white—a color traditionally symbolizing mourning in Hindu culture—with some wearing shirts bearing Rajiv’s image in tribute.
Prior to the final funeral rites, a convoy of white vehicles—with only the Uganda Funeral Services (UFS) hearse and a flower car in black—departed the residence with Rajiv’s body transported through key parts of Kampala.
The motorcade, which caused major traffic disruptions as citizens paused their daily routines to pay their respects, included athletes and members of the business community, with many bystanders lining the route and capturing the moment on their phones.
Over the span of two hours, it moved slowly through Kira Road, Mulago Roundabout, Nakasero, and onto Kampala Road, then Jinja Road, as it swerved past key Ruparelia Group landmarks such as Crane Chambers, Boulevard Plaza, and Victoria University.
Hindu rites were performed upon arrival at the cremation site.
In a deeply emotional moment, Sudhir Ruparelia lit the funeral pyre around the white casket, marking his son’s final farewell.
The atmosphere was somber yet reverent, as friends and family described Rajiv, as a humble and selfless man—a compassionate leader remembered more for his philanthropy and humanity than his wealth.
Speaking on behalf of President Museveni, Speaker Among delivered a message which acknowledged past injustices, including the expulsion of Indians by Idi Amin, and praised the Ruparelia family for reinvesting in Uganda and creating jobs for the youth.
“The Ruparelia family has built a legacy that benefits not only today’s Ugandans but also future generations,” said Among, who also announced a condolence package of Shs 50 million from the President.
Born on January 2, 1990, to Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, the 35-year-old was the youngest sibling of Meera and Sheena. He was survived by his wife, Naiya, whom he married in London in 2017, and their 3-year-old daughter, Inara. He attended Dean Close School in Cheltenham, UK, and graduated from Regent's University London with a 2.1 Bachelor's in Finance and Banking, narrowly missing a first class.
Rajiv burst onto Kampala’s scene not through the corridors of his family empire, but with strobe lights, theme nights, and the unapologetic vibe of Club Sway. At just 17, he opened a nightclub opposite Posta Uganda—at a time when Club Silk and Ange Noir (later Guvnor) reigned supreme—and turned it into the city’s heartbeat.
Rajiv joined the family-owned Ruparelia Group in 2014. In 2017, he was appointed the Group's Managing Director. He oversaw operations in several subsidiaries, including Kampala Parents' School, which listed him as managing director.
Rajiv started to compete in motorsport rallies in 2019, after which he became the patron of the Central Motorsport Club (CMC).
He won several local rally events and became recognized in Ugandan motorsport, fondly driving a Volkswagen Polo Proto imported from Poland.
A year after his passing, continued efforts have been made to preserve and honour his legacy.
The Living Group (TLG) commissioned a new borehole in Naguru, Kampala, as a tribute to its former director Rajiv Ruparelia, while also giving back to a community that has consistently supported its developments. This initiative is part of a broader series of memorial efforts aimed at sustaining his impact beyond his lifetime.
Other activities reported include medical outreach programmes such as eye camps providing free screening and treatment to thousands of people, as well as wider community health initiatives.
In addition, memorial and tribute events have been held, reflecting on his contribution to business, youth empowerment, and community development in Uganda; amongst many others.
These efforts continue to keep his vision alive through practical support to communities and ongoing social impact projects.
