RIP: Rajiv Ruparelia
The Ruparelia family has announced that Rajiv Ruparelia, the only son of Ugandan business magnate Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, will be cremated on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo.
Rajiv, aged 35, died in the early hours of Saturday morning after a tragic car crash at the Busabala Flyover in Makindye-Ssabagabo, along the Kajjansi–Munyonyo road. Driving a high-performance Nissan GTR, Rajiv is believed to have lost control after colliding with temporary concrete barriers erected near a construction site. The vehicle overturned and caught fire, killing him instantly.
“It is with a deep and heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son, Rajiv Ruparelia, early this morning,” the family said in a formal statement issued on Saturday. “The family asks that their privacy be respected during this tough and trying time.”
Rajiv had recently returned from a brief trip to London and was en route to join a wedding convoy in Kampala where he was scheduled to serve as a groomsman for his close friend, Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
Rajiv was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, widely seen as the heir to the family’s vast business empire that spans real estate, finance, education, hospitality, and agriculture. Known for his vibrant energy, passion for rally driving, and philanthropic work, Rajiv was a rising figure in Uganda’s corporate landscape.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends, business leaders, and members of the public. The crash has also sparked online outrage over the state of road safety and signage at active construction zones. By Sunday evening, no formal statement had been released by Uganda’s road or Works authorities.
He is survived by a young daughter.
Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop
