One of Northern Uganda’s most notable hotels, Acholi Inn, praised Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia for visiting its premises during the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025 in Gulu over the weekend.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the hotel management expressed deep gratitude, calling the visit “an honour beyond words.” “We were deeply honored to host Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s most distinguished entrepreneurs, here at Acholi Inn Hotel during the Rajiv Memorial Rally weekend. Your visit added great prestige to our home of Northern hospitality. We celebrate your continued support for sports, tourism, and Uganda’s growth,” the post read.
The message quickly gained attention online, reflecting the warm welcome extended to the Ruparelia family in Gulu. Thousands had gathered to celebrate the life of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, a visionary businessman, rally driver, and philanthropist who died in a car accident on May 3, 2025.
The rally, the sixth round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), covered 260 kilometers across Gulu, including 132.6 kilometers of competitive stages. Top drivers such as Ronald Sebuguzi, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Nasser Mutebi, and Duncan Mubiru competed in a spirited contest that combined motorsport excitement with a tribute to Rajiv’s legacy.
Dr. Sudhir, who served as the event’s chief guest, praised the organizers and participants for keeping Rajiv’s memory alive through a celebration that inspires youth and promotes sports tourism. “Rajiv’s legacy will live on through this memorial rally, which aims to promote motorsport and give back to the community,” he said.
Following the rally, Gulu City Council passed a resolution to name a major road “Rajiv Ruparelia Road” in honor of the late rally star’s contributions to business and sport. Mayor Alfred Okwonga described the move as a symbol of how Rajiv’s energy continues to inspire northern Uganda.
The Acholi Inn’s tribute highlights the broader impact of the Ruparelia family across the country, from education and real estate to philanthropy and sports. The hotel, known as a landmark of northern hospitality, said hosting Dr. Sudhir during the historic weekend reaffirmed Gulu’s growing role as a hub for tourism and national events.
As the engines fell silent after two days of thrilling rally action, Gulu was left with more than memories of the race. The weekend celebrated legacy, unity, and the lasting influence of a family that continues to contribute to Uganda’s growth.
