KAMPALA, Uganda — Rajiv Ruparelia, the 35-year-old son of Ugandan business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia, died early Saturday in a high-speed car crash, just hours before he was scheduled to be a groomsman in a close friend’s prominent wedding.
The fatal single-vehicle accident occurred around midnight along the Kajjansi–Munyonyo Road at the Busabala Flyover junction, according to police and family sources. Ruparelia was driving a Nissan GTR, registration UAT 638L, when it collided with temporary concrete barriers.
“He hit the barrier at high speed. The car overturned and flew in the air for about eight metres,” veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, a family friend, told reporters in Kampala on Saturday morning. “I think he did not know the barrier because he had just recently returned from London. The car crashed down and there was a ball of fire. He and the car were incinerated.”
Traffic police confirmed the incident, stating in a release that “the vehicle hit temporary concrete structures and overturned before catching fire. Investigations are ongoing.”
The tragedy has ignited widespread online criticism, with many social media users expressing anger over what they described as inadequate road signage and negligence at the accident site. Questions mounted throughout the day regarding the visibility and marking of the concrete barriers on a major thoroughfare. Authorities had yet to issue a public response to the growing concerns by late Saturday afternoon.
Ruparelia, a well-known rally driver, had returned to Kampala to participate in the wedding of Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, and Liz Mutoni. The wedding ceremony was set to take place Saturday morning at All Saints Church, with Anglican Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu officiating. Ruparelia was slated to be one of seven groomsmen.
“He was going to Munyonyo so that he can drive in the convoy with the groom to church this morning and that’s when the accident happened, sudden and quick,” Mwenda recounted.
In a brief statement posted on X, Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia confirmed their son’s death, stating he passed away at 2:44 a.m. and is survived by a three-year-old daughter. “May his soul RIP,” the statement concluded.
Mwenda indicated that Rajiv Ruparelia’s body had been taken to Uganda Funeral Services. He added that a public viewing was being planned in an affluent Kampala neighborhood, pending the condition of the remains.
“They (UFS) are supposed to make whatever they can of the body or try to recreate his face at least and that takes a lot of hours. Once the parents and family have recovered from shock, we will have to decide whether there will be cremation or bury the body as is,” Mwenda explained.
He noted that final funeral arrangements would largely depend on the arrival of Sudhir Ruparelia’s family members currently abroad, including those in India, Canada, and the United States.
Rajiv Ruparelia was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, a sprawling conglomerate with interests in real estate, education, and hospitality. He was increasingly taking on a prominent role within the family’s business empire and was widely considered to be its future leader.
Reactions to the death of Rajiv Ruparelia poured in throughout the day:
Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament, said Rajiv’s death had deprived the country of a “young and enterprising mind.”
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, described him as a “humble, kind, and generous young man.”
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Peter Mayiga extended his deepest sympathies to Sudhir Ruparelia.
Exiled activist Stella Nyanzi recounted Rajiv’s kindness in allowing her to pay school fees for her children in installments.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said Rajiv was “full of life and loved this country with all his heart.”
Businessman Kin Kariisa noted his loss would be “deeply felt across our business community and beyond.”
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa offered her “deepest condolences and prayers” to the Ruparelia family.
Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza said the Kasese community mourned the loss of a “son of the soil” who was an inspiration to young entrepreneurs.
Fashion model Judith Heard expressed disbelief at the loss of a “very good friend” who was “humble, kind, respectful, and full of light.”
Sedrack Kaguta Nzaire, President Museveni’s brother, said Rajiv’s “bright spirit and the legacy he leaves behind will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.”
Media personality Gaetano Kagwa offered “healing prayers and strength to the Ruparelia family.”
The high-profile wedding of Jonathan Bahizi Buteera and Liz Mutoni proceeded Saturday morning, albeit under a cloud of profound sadness following the tragic loss of one of the groom’s close friends and groomsmen.
