Uganda Mourns the Tragic Loss of Rajiv Ruparelia in Tearful Cremation Ceremony
- Afri Careers
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
Kampala, Uganda – The cremation of Rajiv Ruparelia, the only son of Ugandan business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, was held on Tuesday, May 6, at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala, drawing a somber crowd of family, friends, business associates, and dignitaries from across the country.
The ceremony, conducted in accordance with Hindu customs, was filled with emotion and reflection as mourners gathered to bid farewell to the 35-year-old business leader. Hindu priests led the final rites, with chants and traditional rituals marking the journey of Rajiv’s soul.
A heartbreaking moment unfolded during the final prayers when the Ruparelia family broke down in tears, overcome with grief at the irreversible loss of their beloved son and heir.
A Life Cut Short
Rajiv tragically lost his life on Saturday, May 3, in a high-speed crash along the Busabala Flyover in Wakiso District. Driving his Nissan GTR, Rajiv collided with pavement barriers, resulting in a violent overturn and fire. He died on the spot.
Ironically, he was set to be a groomsman at the wedding of his close friend and business associate Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of retired Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, on the same day of the accident.
In a public statement earlier this week, the Ruparelia family described the loss as "profound" and asked for privacy as they continue to grieve. A vigil has been ongoing at their Kololo residence since Saturday evening.
Rajiv’s Legacy
Rajiv served as the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the family’s vast investments in real estate, education, hospitality, and banking. He was widely respected for his innovative business mind, leadership, and dynamic presence in the Ugandan corporate space.
He was also a passionate motorsport enthusiast, celebrated for his work to revive rallying in Uganda through the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team.
Questions Over Road Safety
His death has also reignited public scrutiny on road safety standards, particularly around the Najjanankumbi–Busabala road project, which eyewitnesses say lacked proper lighting and warning signage. The road was under the management of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) at the time of the incident.
Tributes Continue to Pour In
As cremation proceedings concluded, tributes poured in from across the country—from business leaders, government officials, and the general public—honoring Rajiv as a visionary, a philanthropist, and a man full of life and purpose.
His memory lives on, not only in the legacy he built in Uganda’s economic landscape but in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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