President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other Ugandan leaders on Tuesday joined the Ruparelia family to offer tributes to Rajiv Ruparelia, the 35-year-old son of city tycoon, Sudhir Ruparelia, who died in a motor accident.
President Museveni, through Speaker of Parliament Anita Among joined the Ruparelia family, national leaders and hundreds of mourners in paying tribute to a man many described as generous, visionary and full of life whose contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic sector were fundamental.
The cremation ceremony, held at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, followed a vigil at the Ruparelia residence in the upscale Kololo neighborhood. Here, top government officials, renowned business figures, members of the diplomatic corps and close friends attested to the widespread respect and affection for the young entrepreneur.
The president lauded his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to the country’s progress.
“The death of Rajiv Ruparelia has robbed this country of his contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, both in the present and in the future,” President Museveni’s statement read.
He further emphasized Rajiv’s renowned generosity and extended gratitude to the Ruparelia family for their pivotal role in the resurgence of Uganda’s private sector, particularly following the government’s invitation to the Asian community to return and invest.
Speaking as a personal friend of the deceased, Among recognized Rajiv as “a friend to everybody, irrespective of age or status… a mentor remembered for his humility, generosity and kindness.
Among also offered unwavering support to Sudhir Ruparelia and wife during their time of grief and expressed hope that Rajiv’s legacy would endure.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi added his voice to the chorus of tributes, portraying Rajiv as more than just a successful businessman. He described him as “a devoted son, a loving husband and father, and a friend to many,” whose “vision and drive inspired everyone around him, and his kindness and generosity touched countless lives.”
In an emotional eulogy, Sudhir Ruparelia, the fountain of the family, spoke of his profound personal loss and the enduring legacy of his only son.
He described Rajiv as a “rare and remarkable soul” whose 35 years were filled with purpose and vibrant energy. He highlighted Rajiv’s deep empathy and his quiet yet impactful philanthropic endeavors, particularly his steadfast commitment to supporting the education of underprivileged children.
He also shared cherished personal anecdotes, including fond memories from Rajiv’s childhood and their shared passion for fishing in Lake Victoria. Reflecting on Rajiv’s love for motorsport, Sudhir recalled his concerns for his son’s safety.
“Rest in eternal peace, my son. You will never be forgotten,” Sudhir eulogized.
Rajiv’s mother, Jyotsna Ruparelia, offered a deeply personal and tearful tribute, reflecting on his independent nature and the loving bond they shared. She recalled moments from his childhood and expressed her heartache at not being with him on his final night. She vowed to care for Rajiv’s daughter, Inara—whom she called his greatest love—and promised to honor his dream of building a tower in her name.
Recounting memories of his childhood and youthful exuberance, her voice cracked with emotion as she expressed a heartfelt wish to have been with him on his final Friday night. Above all, she pledged to honor his memory by caring for his daughter, Inara, whom she described as his “greatest love,” and by fulfilling his wish to build a tower in her name.
Rajiv’s sisters, Meera and Sheena Ruparelia, offered a dual perspective on their brother, painting a picture of a mischievous yet deeply loving sibling. Meera remembered him as a protector and a source of quiet strength during challenging times, while Sheena fondly recalled their childhood adventures and his infectious zest for life. Both sisters emphasized Rajiv’s boundless generosity and his unwavering loyalty to his family, particularly his deep affection for his nieces and nephews.
Rajiv’s widow, Naiya Ruparelia said that Rajiv was her “first real love,” a man whose energy and magnetic personality had profoundly shaped her life. She described the complex yet deeply real bond they shared and his ability to fill a room with joy. Her most tender words were reserved for Rajiv’s role as a father to their daughter, Inara, whom she described as the center of his world. Naiya vowed to ensure that Inara carries forward her father’s spirit, his boldness and his inherent goodness.
Under his leadership as the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, Rajiv Ruparelia had many achievements that contributed much to Uganda’s economy. The leadership ranged from real estate, education (notably the expansion of Victoria University), hospitality, agriculture, recruitment and media experienced substantial growth. His role in expanding Victoria University’s enrollment and championing scholarships for underprivileged students was particularly noted. Furthermore, his leadership at Premier Recruitment Ltd facilitated thousands of job placements, predominantly for young women, while his stewardship of Premier Roses Ltd helped maintain Uganda’s position as a leading flower exporter.
Beyond his business legacy, Rajiv Ruparelia was remembered as a keysportsman with a passion for rallying and a dedicated philanthropist. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, he spearheaded numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, wildlife conservation and sanitation, contributing billions of Ugandan shillings to these critical areas.
As dusk fell on Lugogo and the flames of the cremation marked Rajiv’s farewell, a nation paused to remember a man whose 35 years were filled with vision, generosity, and love. His legacy—etched in the lives he touched, the businesses he built, and the causes he championed—will continue to inspire for generations to come.
