Rajiv's Legacy Will Be Felt for Generations

The late Rajiv Ruparelia lived fully and left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has said, paying a glowing tribute to the youthful businessman who died in a car crash on May 3 at the age of 35.

Speaking at the funeral service held at the Ruparelia family home in Kololo on Tuesday, Ms Among hailed Rajiv as a dynamic and compassionate leader whose contributions extended far beyond business.

She was representing President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni at the ceremony.

“The large turnout and deep expressions of grief are a testament to the fact that although his life was tragically cut short, Rajiv lived fully and left a lasting legacy for many to emulate,” she said.

Among commended Rajiv’s philanthropy, especially his support for education programmes aimed at vulnerable children and his active involvement in the development of sports in Uganda.

“His impact extended far beyond the business world,” she added, calling on mourners to honour his memory by upholding the values of generosity and purpose he embodied.

Rajiv, son of business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia, died when his high-performance Nissan GT-R struck temporary concrete barriers at the Busabala flyover on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.

The car overturned and caught fire. He was reportedly on his way to serve as a groomsman at a friend’s wedding when the accident occurred.

The tragic incident has drawn national attention, with many raising concerns over road safety and the state of signage and lighting along major highways. Police investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Though just 35, Rajiv had emerged as one of Uganda’s most promising business figures, managing key ventures within the Ruparelia Group and championing youth empowerment.

He was also an enthusiastic rally driver and supporter of motorsports, frequently participating in national events and encouraging young talent in the field.

“He believed in using his privilege to empower others,” said Speaker Among. “He was a bridge between generations.”

Following the funeral rites, Rajiv was cremated at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo. The service was attended by a cross-section of mourners, including government officials, business leaders, sports personalities, and members of the Hindu community.

His death has been widely described as a loss not just to his family, but to the entire country.

The Speaker of Parliament, representing President Museveni and the First Lady at Rajiv Ruparelia’s funeral, praised the 35-year-old businessman for his generosity, energy, and devotion to causes beyond profit, saying his legacy would endure for generations.