Published on 03/05/2025
Rajiv Ruparelia, the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and son to business tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has sadly died in a car accident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The incident took place near the Busaabala Flyover along the Munyonyo-Entebbe Expressway. According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the crash happened at around 1:54 AM and involved a white Nissan GTR registered as UAT 638L.
“Single fatal crash: On 03/05/2025 at 1:54am, a white Nissan GTR (UAT 638L) crashed, overturned & caught fire at Busabala flyover. We have been informed that the driver was Rajiv Ruparelia (35). He died at the scene,” said ASP Owoyesigyire in a brief statement issued Saturday morning.
Emergency personnel confirmed Rajiv’s death at the scene, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
Born on January 2, 1990, in Kampala, Rajiv, 35 was the only son of Dr. Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia. He pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University London. After his return to Uganda, he joined the family empire and, in 2014, took on the role of Managing Director.
During his leadership, Rajiv spearheaded several landmark projects across East Africa, including the development of the Speke Resort Convention Centre and the Pearl Business Park. He placed strong emphasis on sustainable development, integrating green solutions in projects such as the Kampala Kingdom Mall.
His entrepreneurial impact was widely recognized, earning him a spot on the 2024 Choiseul 100 Africa list, which honors influential young business leaders on the continent.
Outside the boardroom, Rajiv was deeply involved in rally driving, a sport he not only loved but also actively promoted. He also served as a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, supporting initiatives in education, environmental preservation, and community empowerment.
He is survived by his wife, Naiya Khagram Ruparelia, and his parents. Funeral details are yet to be made public, with the family expected to provide updates in due course.
Rajiv’s sudden passing has left a void in Uganda’s business sector and beyond, with tributes pouring in for a visionary leader whose energy and ambition helped shape a modern legacy for the Ruparelia Group.
