Rajiv Ruparelia, the youngest son of business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia, tragically passed away in a car accident on the Busabala highway in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025. He was 35.
Educated at Dean Close School Cheltenham and Regents College London, Rajiv was increasingly recognized for his dynamic contributions to Uganda’s education sector, bringing a playful yet effective experimental approach to institutions such as Victoria University and Kampala Parents’ School.
Stella Nyanzi, a Ugandan academic, recalled his kindness in allowing her to pay school fees in installments during a challenging time.
Born on January 2, 1990, Rajiv harbored a youthful admiration for the late rally driver Riyaz Kurji. While his family initially held reservations, Rajiv pursued his passion for motorsport, even attending the Rallystar Motorsport Academy in South Africa.
He became a respected figure in local rallying circles and served as the patron of the Central Motorsport Club (CMC) at the time of his death. His competitive spirit saw him achieve victories, notably with a VW Polo Proto.
In 2017, Rajiv transitioned into the role of managing director for the Ruparelia Group, the vast business empire founded by his father. Under his leadership, the group’s real estate portfolio experienced significant growth with the addition of prominent properties like Kampala Boulevard, Kingdom Mall, and Speke Apartments, demonstrating his acumen for high-stakes ventures.
Earlier in his career, at the young age of 17, Rajiv showcased his entrepreneurial flair by launching the popular Club Sway in Kampala.
His untimely death has elicited heartfelt condolences from across Uganda’s leadership and business community. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) described him as “a humble, kind, and generous young man.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among noted his significant contributions to the economy and employment sector, while Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga extended deepest sympathies to the Ruparelia family.
Rajiv Ruparelia is survived by his wife, Naiya; his daughter, Inara; his parents, Sudhir and Jyostna; and his sisters, Meera and Sheena. Cremation will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Hindu crematorium in Lugogo at 2:30 p.m. A vigil is being held at the Ruparelia family residence in Kololo.
His passing leaves a void in Uganda’s business and social landscape, marking the loss of a promising young leader.
