The cremation of Rajiv Ruparelia, the only son of Ugandan business tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, took place this afternoon at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala. The ceremony was marked by deep sorrow and heartfelt emotion, as close family members, friends, and dignitaries came together to bid farewell to a man widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest business minds.
Traditional Hindu prayers led by priests guided the solemn proceedings. The atmosphere grew especially heavy as the final rites were performed. Members of the Ruparelia family were visibly overcome with grief, their tears reflecting the immense personal and public loss they now carry.
People from all walks of life gathered to pay their respects, a testament to Rajiv’s wide-reaching impact and the love he inspired across communities. At just 35 years old, his life was cut tragically short on Saturday, May 3, when his high-speed Nissan GTR lost control and struck pavement barriers at the Busabala Flyover in Wakiso District. The car overturned and caught fire, killing him instantly.
Rajiv had been scheduled to serve as a groomsman that same day at the wedding of his close friend and fellow entrepreneur Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
In a statement earlier this week, the Ruparelia family described Rajiv’s death as an immeasurable tragedy and asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourn. A vigil has been ongoing at the family residence in Kololo since the news broke.
Rajiv served as Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, playing a key role in the family’s expansive investments across real estate, education, hospitality, and banking. Beyond business, he was a passionate motorsport enthusiast who helped revitalize rally racing in Uganda through the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, reflecting the national significance of his loss.
Rajiv’s death has also triggered a broader debate on road safety in Uganda. The Busabala road project—overseen by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)—has come under sharp criticism for inadequate lighting and insufficient road signage. Eyewitness accounts have pointed to these failures as contributing factors in the fatal crash.
As the cremation drew to a close, tributes continued to flood in from across the country. Business leaders, politicians, colleagues, and ordinary citizens have all shared messages of admiration for Rajiv’s vision, energy, and generosity. Uganda now mourns not only the loss of a son, but also of a leader whose potential had only just begun to unfold.
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