The nation is in mourning following the untimely death of Rajiv Ruparelia, the 35-year-old son of business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and a prominent entrepreneur in his own right. Rajiv passed away in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025, after a tragic motor accident at the Busabala Flyover in Wakiso District. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves across Uganda, drawing heartfelt tributes from political, business, and social leaders — including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who described Rajiv as “an astute businessman and a good friend to many.”
A vigil was held at the Ruparelia residence in Kololo, and cremation rites took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, in accordance with family tradition. The final sendoff was attended by hundreds of mourners, including government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and friends — all gathered to honour a life that, though short, was undeniably impactful.
Presidential Condolences and National Recognition
The sendoff of Rajiv Ruparelia drew a national chorus of sorrow, admiration, and reflection, with political leaders, business icons, and close friends paying tribute to a man whose influence transcended his 35 years.
In a statement delivered by Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among on behalf of the President and First Lady Janet Museveni, President Museveni paid tribute to Rajiv’s entrepreneurial spirit and generosity.
“The death of Rajiv Ruparelia has robbed this country of his contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, both in the present and in the future,” the President said.
“He has been praised for his generosity and concern for the people, especially the less advantaged in society. I thank him for spearheading social uplifting projects targeted at helping children and the youth.”
The President also thanked the Ruparelia family for their role in rebuilding Uganda’s private sector, describing them as part of the new generation of entrepreneurs who returned and invested in the country following the NRM’s invitation to the Asian community.
Speaker Anitah Among, speaking both as head of Parliament and a personal friend, remembered Rajiv as:
“A friend to everybody, irrespective of age or status… a mentor remembered for his humility, generosity, and kindness. Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir, we will be with you in this trying time. May Rajiv’s legacy keep alive.”
Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi spoke of Rajiv as more than a businessman—he was a man of heart and impact.
“Rajiv was a devoted son, a loving husband and father, and a friend to many… His vision and drive inspired everyone around him, and his kindness and generosity touched countless lives.”
A Father’s Grief, A Son’s Legacy
In a heartfelt and emotional tribute during the cremation ceremony, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia eulogized his son, Rajiv Ruparelia, as a rare and remarkable soul whose 35 years were filled with purpose, energy, and compassion. Struggling to hold back tears, Dr. Sudhir reflected on the immense personal loss and the enduring legacy his only son left behind.
He opened with the solemn acknowledgement of Rajiv’s premature departure:
“Rajiv Ruparelia, beloved son of Jyotsna and myself… you have left us far too soon, called to his heavenly abode at the age of 35.”
Describing Rajiv’s character, he spoke of a young man who radiated life and maturity beyond his years.
“What I always remember most is his vibrant energy… He had infectious zest for life, a mind full of knowledge effortlessly, and a heart drawn naturally to service.”
Dr. Sudhir highlighted Rajiv’s deep empathy and quiet philanthropy, especially his unwavering dedication to educating underprivileged children.
“He quietly supported their education from primary school to university… mentorship, encouragement—to help them dream bigger.”
Following Rajiv’s passing, Sudhir noted how many young people shared personal stories of Rajiv’s life-changing support.
“Countless young people have come forward… someone who saw potential where others saw limitation.”
Rajiv’s sincerity, loyalty, and integrity stood out.
“He was a steadfast pillar of support to all who knew him… genuine, loyal, and honest.”
He also touched on Rajiv’s passionate love for motorsport, recalling how he had once urged his son to step back from rallying out of concern for his safety.
“Though he ventured to step back from racing, the sport always remained close to his heart.”
Dr. Sudhir’s tribute also included intimate memories from Rajiv’s childhood—like the joy Rajiv took in carrying a small briefcase filled with chocolates, or their father-son fishing trips on Lake Victoria.
“Those quiet, shared moments—just the two of us—are among the most precious memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
He concluded with words of deep pride and eternal love:
“Rajiv’s impact was far greater than his years… You gave me joy, pride, and purpose… Rest in eternal peace, my son. You will never be forgotten.”
Dr. Sudhir concluded his tribute with a father’s final farewell—words heavy with love, pain, and pride. As he stood before the crowd gathered to honour Rajiv’s life, he gathered the strength to speak directly to his son one last time:
“Thank you, Rajiv, for everything you stood for and accomplished. You gave me joy, pride, and purpose through your time with us. Though short, your legacy will last forever.”
With a voice softened by emotion but firm in resolve, he added:
“Rest in eternal peace, my son. You will never be forgotten.”
And with that, a father released his son—with gratitude, with heartbreak, and with a promise that his memory would live on, not just in the hearts of his family, but in every life Rajiv touched.
A Mother’s Farewell
In a heartbreakingly candid and deeply personal tribute, Jyotsna Ruparelia poured out a mother’s grief, love, and pride as she bid farewell to her only son. Speaking through tears, she remembered Rajiv not just as the son of a billionaire, but as a man who had carved his own identity — full of life, charm, cheek, and heart.
“Rajiv, I’m so proud of you… you did everything for yourself and helped everyone,” she said. “I thought Rajiv was so familiar being a son of Sudhir Ruparelia, but in the last three days, I found out no—Rajiv created his own identity.”
Kyanja: A suburb on the rise that promises a futuristic KampalaShe spoke fondly of Rajiv’s rebellious but loving childhood — from being suspended in school to negotiating for first-class tickets back to boarding school. She recalled how, despite his mischief, Rajiv had a huge heart and unmatched energy. Her voice cracked as she expressed regret for not being there that final night:
“I really wish on Friday night, I didn’t leave you at Izumi and I came clubbing with you… I am sure I would have not allowed you to go into that speedy car. I would have stopped you home.”
Above all, she made a solemn promise to Rajiv: to look after his daughter Inara, whom she called his “greatest love.”
“You wanted an Inara Tower for her—and that will be our next project. Sudhir and I, till we are alive, will take care of Inara.”
A Brother Remembered
In a eulogy full of tears, laughter, and treasured memories, Rajiv’s sisters, Meera and Sheena Ruparelia, remembered their brother as a force of nature — mischievous, generous, fiercely loyal, and deeply loving.
“It’s hard to speak of you in the past tense… you’re still everywhere in our hearts,” Meera said, recalling growing up together in London and the unbreakable bond they shared through school, mischief, and life’s ups and downs.
She described how Rajiv, even as a younger brother, was her protector and emotional rock in difficult times:
“You were there—calm, kind, and quietly reassuring. You always had a way of softening the edges.”
Sheena, his partner in childhood adventures, spoke of Rajiv’s wild ideas, house parties, and unforgettable pranks:
“You wrapped me in a blanket while I was asleep and I woke up on an island,” she laughed through tears. “Every epic memory I have, you were part of it.”
But beneath the chaos, they both emphasized one enduring truth:
“You had a heart of gold. Your generosity was boundless… not just in gifts, but in time. You made every niece and nephew feel seen, heard, and adored.”
Meera closed with a tribute to Rajiv’s legacy of quiet kindness and love for his daughter:
“Even in your hardest moments, you reached outwards, not inward. You gave, even when it cost you. And above all, Rajiv, you were the kindest, most devoted father to Inara.”
A Devoted Husband and Father
Among the most poignant tributes to Rajiv Ruparelia came from his wife, Naiya Ruparelia, who delivered an emotional farewell that laid bare the depth of their love and the void his passing leaves behind. Her voice trembling with grief, Naiya described Rajiv not only as her husband but as her first and truest love—a man who changed her life with his energy, stubborn charm, and undeniable spark.
“Rajiv was my first real love, the kind that stays with you, shapes you, and teaches you a lot. We had a bond that was complex, deep, but always real,” she said.
She painted a picture of a man full of life—passionate, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. Even in his most maddening moments, Rajiv’s presence brought light and laughter. He could fill a room with joy and leave those around him changed simply by his warmth and authenticity.
“He was one of those people who would fill a room with his energy… He could drive you up the wall and make you laugh five seconds later.”
But the most tender moments in her tribute were reserved for Rajiv’s role as a father. Their daughter, Inara, was his heart and his world.
“To many, he was a hero, a brother, a friend, but to our daughter, he was her dad. And in her eyes, that made him someone extraordinary.”
Naiya promised to keep his spirit alive in Inara—to raise her in the love and light Rajiv gave so freely, and to ensure she carries forward his fire, his boldness, and that unmistakable glint in her eyes.
“She carries his fire, his boldness, and that same glint in her eyes. I will always make sure she carries the best of him with her—the goodness he gave and all the light he left behind.”
In closing, she offered a final message of love, remembrance, and peace:
“I have always held him in my prayers, and I still do… Rest easy, Rajiv. You are one of a kind, and in both love and legacy, you will always be remembered.”
It was a tribute not just to a husband lost too soon, but to a love that will endure—in memory, in legacy, and in the life of a daughter who now carries her father’s spirit forward.
A Life of Purpose, a Legacy of Impact
Rajiv Ruparelia lived a life anchored in vision, action, and measurable transformation. As Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, he was involved in the leadership of over 35 companies across key sectors including real estate, education, hospitality, agriculture, recruitment, and media. Under his watch, the Group’s asset base exceeded USD 1.1 billion, with a workforce of more than 8,500 people, the majority of whom were youth and women.
Rajiv played a central role in expanding Victoria University, growing enrolment from just 143 students in 2013 to over 8,700 by 2024, and championed more than 3,000 scholarships for underprivileged learners. Through Premier Recruitment Ltd and its sister companies, he facilitated 5,856 job placements, with 89% being young women, giving thousands a new start in life.
In agriculture, his leadership at Premier Roses Ltd helped Uganda retain its position as a leading flower exporter, with the company contributing 40–60% of the country’s floral export volumes.
A sportsman and philanthropist, Rajiv supported rallying, corporate wellness, and grassroots development through the Ruparelia Foundation, which invested over UGX 35 billion in education, healthcare, wildlife conservation, and sanitation.
Gone Too Soon, But Never Forgotten
Though his journey was cut short, Rajiv Ruparelia left behind a legacy far greater than his years. A devoted husband and father, a beloved son and brother, a fearless entrepreneur and sportsman, and a friend to thousands — his life touched hearts, opened doors, and built futures.
As the sun set over Lugogo on May 6, and his ashes rose into the sky, Uganda bade farewell to a man who gave all he could in just 35 years — and left the world better than he found it.
Rest in peace, Rajiv Ruparelia. Your fire, your laughter, and your legacy will forever live on.