Published on 04/05/2025
Uganda is mourning the untimely death of Rajiv Ruparelia, the dynamic and forward-thinking Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, who tragically lost his life in a car crash on May 3, 2025, at just 35 years of age.
Known for his passion, energy and bold vision, Rajiv’s sudden passing has left a gaping void not only within his family but also across the business and philanthropic sectors where he made him self a name.
Born on January 2, 1990, Rajiv was the only son of Dr. Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, founders of one of Uganda’s most successful business empire, the Ruparelia Group.
After completing his education in the United Kingdom, Rajiv returned home to join the family business. In 2014, he assumed leadership as Managing Director of Ruparelia Group, ushering in a new era of innovation, energy and strategic expansions.
Under his stewardship, the Ruparelia Group diversified and grew significantly, launching landmark projects such as the Speke Resort, Speke Apartments, Speke Resort Convention Centre, the Pearl Business Park among other multibillion projects.
Rajiv was widely admired for his ability to blend modern business practices with sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly solutions into developments like the Kampala Kingdom Mall. His contributions did not go unnoticed—he was named one of Africa’s top 100 young business leaders by Choiseul 100 Africa in 2024.
Beyond his corporate success, Rajiv was a man of many passions. He was deeply invested in motorsport, becoming a rally enthusiast who championed the development of the sport in Uganda. He was also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as a trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, through which he supported education, healthcare and community empowerment programs across the country.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of Uganda. Business leaders hailed his innovative mindset, politicians praised his commitment to national development, and the public remembered his humility and generosity.
The accident that claimed his life occurred in the early hours of Saturday near the Busabala Flyover along the Munyonyo-Entebbe Expressway.
According to police, the white Nissan GTR he was driving crashed, overturned and caught fire. Emergency responders found Rajiv at the scene and his body was burnt beyond recognition.
Ugandans are still in shock and trying to come to terms with the loss of one of its brightest young leaders.
Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build, the lives he touched and the vision he carried for a modern, inclusive, and prosperous Uganda.
He is survived by his wife, Naiya Khagram Ruparelia, and his parents. The Ruparelia family have announced funeral and memorial arrangements with the cremation ceremony slated for Tuesday 06 May 2025 at Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala.
MAY RAJIV RUPARELIA’S SOUL REST IN PEACE
