Rajiv Ruparelia was a man of people — Kwagalana Group

KAMPALA - Members of the Kwagalana Group have described the late Rajiv Ruparelia, 35, son of their colleague, city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, as having been more than a businessman. 

They said Rajiv was a man of the people who consistently and intentionally exhibited compassionate and caring behaviour, spreading joy and positivity to many who came around him.

In a statement read on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by the Group Chairman, Godfrey Kirumira, after the cremation at the Lugogo Indian Temple, the leading entrepreneurs said that they would always remember Rajiv for his radiating kindness, humility, and genuine love for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

Sudhir, a senior member of the Kwagalana Group, humbly stood with his fellow businessmen at the podium as they delivered their condolence message. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Sudhir, a senior member of the Kwagalana Group, humbly stood with his fellow businessmen at the podium as they delivered their condolence message.

They included Hammis Kiggundu of Ham Towers, Yusuf Matovu aka Youma, Ben Kavuya and Gerald Kalungi, Kirumira’s son. Apart from Kavuya, most of the members were dressed in white, like the rest of the mourners. Others who remained in the audience included Dr. Sarah Nkonge, Rose Kakumba ‘Original’, among others.

According to the police report, Rajiv met his sudden death at about 1:54am on May 6, 2025 at the Busaabala Flyover along the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, heading towards Speke Resort Munyonyo, while driving his rally vehicle, UAT 638L, a Godzilla Nissan GTR Supercar, which rammed into temporary pavement barriers at high speed.

It is alleged that the car flew high and burst into flames on landing, burning him while still inside.

At just 27 years old in 2017, Rajiv was appointed Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, and many who could not easily access his father always preferred to approach him for business deals.

He has, however, been staying away in London, United Kingdom and only returned home on Thursday, two days before he met his death.

“On behalf of the entire Kwagalana Group, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to our beloved and devoted member, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, and his dear wife Jyotsna, upon the tragic and untimely passing of your cherished son, Rajiv Ruparelia,” he said. Kirumira is also Namibia’s consul to Uganda and was accompanied by his wife, Susan Kirumira.

He added, “This great loss is not only to your family, but also a profound blow to all of us who knew Rajiv, raised him and saw him grow into the remarkable individual he had become”.

According to Kirumira, Rajiv’s passing has left “an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in the business community of Uganda at large”.

He said Rajiv was a shining example of industriousness, courage, and determination and carried the legacy of the Ruparelia family with grace, ambition, and innovation.

“His tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial acumen, and fearless approach to challenges stood out as a beacon for the youth and upcoming leaders in our society,” he stated, adding that Rajiv represented the spirit of unity, progress, and excellence.

“We mourn not just the loss of a son, but of a visionary and a young leader whose potential knew no bounds. His dreams, though now tragically cut short, will remain alive in the impact he has made in the lives he touched and the institutions he helped build”.

“To you, Dr. Sudhir and Mrs. Jyotsna Ruparelia, we stand with you in this hour of unimaginable grief. Words may offer little comfort, but please know that your Kwagalana family holds you close in thoughts and prayers,” he noted, adding that the Kwagalana members share their sorrow. “We commit to walking this journey of mourning and remembrance with you. May Rajiv’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find strength, comfort, and healing in the love that surrounds you”.

Other notable figures at the cremation ceremony were the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, who delivered sh50m from President Yoweri Museveni, Prince David Wasajja, who represented the Buganda royal family, former premier Amama Mbabazi, agricultural minister Frank Tumwebaze, Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammad Nsereko, among other mourners.  

Rajiv survived with his wife, Naiya Ruparelia and two-year-old daughter, Inara.