Kampala – Thousands of mourners gathered on Tuesday to bid farewell to Rajiv Ruparelia, son of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, who was cremated at the Lugogo Cremation Centre following a tragic accident over the weekend.
A solemn procession began in the morning, with Rajiv’s body transported through key parts of Kampala. The motorcade caused major traffic disruptions as citizens paused their daily routines to pay their respects.
Streets along the route — including Kololo, John Babiha Avenue, Tagore Crescent, Kira Road, Kampala Road, and Jinja Road — were lined with bystanders, many capturing the emotional moment on their phones.
Relatives and friends had earlier 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. Many wore shirts bearing Rajiv’s image in tribute.
At around 2:00 PM, a convoy of white vehicles — with only the hearse and a flower car in black — departed the residence.
The procession included athletes and members of the business community who joined the journey to Lugogo.
Hindu rites were performed at the cremation site. In a deeply emotional moment, Sudhir Ruparelia lit the funeral pyre, marking his son’s final farewell.
The atmosphere was somber yet reverent, as friends and family described Rajiv, 35, 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 of Parliament Anita Annet Among delivered a message of condolence.
The President 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 UGX 50 million from the President.
Rajiv’s passing has sent waves of grief across Uganda’s business and philanthropic communities, where he was widely respected for his visionary leadership and generosity.