One year on, the engines will roar again—not for competition, but for remembrance—as Uganda’s motorsport community rallies in motion to honour a man who lived life in the fast lane and left an enduring mark on the sport.
A year after the passing of Rajiv Ruparelia, Uganda’s motorsport community is preparing to come together in tribute—this time not on the rally stage, but on the road—in a symbolic memorial drive that reflects both his passion for cars and his enduring influence on a generation of enthusiasts.
Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026 (he died on May 3, 2025), the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Drive will bring together drivers, car clubs, and fans for a coordinated procession from RR Pearl Tower One in Kampala to Speke Resort Munyonyo—two locations deeply connected to Rajiv’s legacy.
From Racing Circuits to a Symbolic Procession
Organised by TT Drags and Drifts UG, one of Uganda’s leading tarmac motorsport groups, the event marks a shift from competitive racing to a more reflective, community-driven tribute. Known for organising Time Trials, Drag Racing, and Drifting events under the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the group is leveraging its platform to honour one of the country’s most recognisable figures in business and motorsport circles.
“This is more than just a drive—it’s a moment for the community to come together, reflect, and celebrate a life that touched many,” one of the organisers noted.
Participants will gather at RR Pearl Tower One for registration and briefing before the official flag-off. The choice of venue is symbolic; the tower stands as a lasting tribute to Rajiv, whose influence within the Ruparelia Group extended across multiple sectors, including real estate, hospitality, and leisure.
From there, the convoy will proceed in a coordinated drive to Speke Resort Munyonyo, where Rajiv served as a director and played a role in shaping one of Uganda’s premier hospitality destinations. The route is expected to draw attention not only for the scale of participation but also for the visual spectacle of high-performance vehicles moving in unison through the city.
A Growing Legacy of Tribute and Impact
Unlike traditional motorsport events, the memorial drive is not a race. Instead, it is designed as a symbolic procession—a show of unity and respect that blends automotive culture with remembrance. Organisers say all necessary safety and coordination measures will be in place to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
The event comes amid a broader wave of tributes that have emerged over the past year, reflecting the different facets of Rajiv’s life and impact. In October 2025, the National Rally Championship dedicated its 6th round in his honour in Gulu, drawing thousands of fans and top rally crews from across the country. More recently, the Ruparelia Foundation has led a series of community initiatives, including a large-scale eye care outreach in Bukedea from March 27–29, 2026, where over 5,000 people received treatment and 265 surgeries were conducted, restoring sight to thousands. This is being followed by a Free Prosthetic Leg Donation Drive scheduled for May 1–3, 2026 at Mulago National Referral Hospital, aimed at restoring mobility and dignity to amputees.
Together, these efforts paint a picture of a legacy that extends beyond business and motorsport into social impact—one that continues to inspire both high-energy tributes and life-changing interventions.
Remembering Rajiv Through Community and Culture
For many in the motorsport community, however, Rajiv’s legacy is deeply personal. Known for his enthusiasm, accessibility, and love for cars, he bridged the gap between elite motorsport and everyday enthusiasts, helping to cultivate a culture that is now finding new expression through events like the memorial drive.
“This is how we remember him—through the things he loved and the people he brought together,” another participant shared.
The memorial drive is expected to attract a diverse mix of attendees, from professional drivers and car collectors to young enthusiasts who see in Rajiv a symbol of ambition and possibility. It also reinforces the growing role of organised motorsport bodies like TT Drags and Drifts UG in shaping safe, structured platforms for automotive expression in Uganda.
A Legacy That Moves Forward
As the convoy sets off on May 3, it will carry more than just engines and horsepower—it will carry memory, meaning, and a shared commitment to keeping a legacy alive.
One year on, Rajiv Ruparelia is being remembered not only in words, but in motion.
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