Kampala, Uganda – Kampala came to a standstill on Tuesday as thousands lined the streets to bid farewell to Rajiv Ruparelia, the beloved entrepreneur, rally driver, and son of business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia.
His cremation at the Lugogo Hindu Crematorium followed an emotional citywide procession that drew mourners from all walks of life.
Rajiv, who died tragically in a car crash on May 3 at just 35, was remembered not just as the heir to one of Uganda’s most powerful business empires, but as a man of heart, humility, and unmatched energy.
At his Kololo residence, grief poured in from family, dignitaries, and friends who came dressed in white—honouring Hindu mourning customs.
Outside, two of Rajiv’s rally cars stood parked: one bearing the nickname “Big Mama,” the other etched with his and navigator E. Olinga’s names—a silent tribute to his passion for motorsport.
By 11:20 a.m., the body had arrived in a Uganda Funeral Services hearse for a brief stay at the family home. There, Dr. Sudhir held a container emitting white smoke—an emotional symbol of farewell.
As mourners paid their respects, flower petals were scattered over the hearse and the road ahead.
The convoy—led by two black hearses and followed by family, friends, and bikers—made its way slowly through Kampala’s busiest roads. Traffic came to a near halt as citizens stopped to honour a man whose influence spanned education, finance, real estate, and sports.
The route passed several landmarks linked to Rajiv’s work in the Ruparelia Group: Crane Chambers, Boulevard Plaza, and Speke Apartments.
At each turn, a stream of motorists joined the procession. At Wampewo Roundabout, a group of Subaru drivers added their engines to the somber march.
At the Lugogo Crematorium, Hindu rites were performed before Dr. Sudhir lit the funeral pyre, a deeply emotional moment that marked the end of a remarkable yet short life. Security was tight, with only close friends and family in attendance.
President Yoweri Museveni, in a message delivered by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, expressed “profound sadness” at Rajiv’s passing.
He praised the Ruparelia family for rebuilding and investing in Uganda despite past injustices, such as the expulsion of Asians in the 1970s.
A UGX 50 million condolence package was announced on behalf of the President and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Jyotsna Ruparelia, Rajiv’s mother, spoke through tears.
“He may have been Sudhir’s son, but Rajiv carved his own legacy,” she said. “Rajiv, I’m so proud of you.”
His wife, Naiya, added: “He was the light of my life—a man of compassion, courage, and deep conviction.”
Rajiv had been groomed to lead the Ruparelia Group, where he already served as Managing Director. Under his watch, projects like the Kingdom Kampala Mall and expansion of Kampala Parents School took shape.
Yet those closest to him say his greatest achievements were quieter—his support for underprivileged students, his mentorship, and his genuine care for people.
In a statement, the Ruparelia Group said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Rajiv was a visionary, a friend, a leader, and a rising force.”
A public memorial is expected later this week to allow more Ugandans to pay their last respects.
Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the fatal crash, initially attributed to speeding and loss of control at the Busabala interchange on the Entebbe Expressway.
Uganda has lost more than a businessman. It has lost a symbol of hope, youth, and visionary leadership.
