To Sudhir and Jyostna, we thank you—thank you for giving Rajiv a life that you could not be afforded yourselves.
The dauphin of the Ruparelia family, Rajiv Ruparelia, tragically lost his life on the May 3, 2025 at 1:54 a.m. in a freakish accident after his high-performance vehicle, a 2018 Nissan GTR registration number UAT 638L, drove into a barricade that sent it flying a few metres before it crashed and burst into flames; claiming the life of one of Uganda’s most beloved citizens.
Before we delve any further into this story, it is essential that I apologize for the use of the first narrative and the bias which this implies. Nonetheless, I must write, I must speak, for if I do not, another will until the memory of Rajiv is more than an afterthought but a tradition, a proverb, and a story about a boy who dared to live and love to the best of his capacity, and how through kindness and heart, he managed to tailor himself a place in the very fabric of this nation.
We go back to 2001 when I first met Rajiv. “Aunty, who is this?” he asked, confusion etched in his eyes. “…an orphan. His parents passed away, and he’ll be living with us,” she explained, the harsh realities of life slowly registering across his face. As he processed this and probably tried to comprehend a world where he existed without his parents, the thought—seemingly unimaginable—had brought tears to his eyes.
From that point on, he assumed an elder-brotherly role, his compassion dictating the concern and overly generous nature with which he interacted with me. Every visit a fun-filled affair, birthdays were celebrated, punishments meted out, and tears shed—but create memories we surely did. One particular memory that sticks to me despite the years gone by is the day he taught me how to make a milkshake—a strawberry and vanilla milkshake to be precise. Disgusting as the results turned out, we never gave up, and failure after failure we continued to waste Jyostna’s kitchen until finally, something almost edible was made of the experiment(s). An experience I will always carry not because of the appeal and newness of it all but because of his perseverance, a trait that would serve him well in the coming years ahead.
For a long time, Jyostna was ‘Aunt’ and Sudhir ‘Uncle’ to my cousins and I, perhaps they still are, now more than ever. However, with age came the political truths that govern societal lore and cultural norms, coupled with the catechisms of political identification. Rajiv and I would find ourselves on separate paths with completely opposite walks of life: Rajiv to the helm of the Ruparelia Dynasty and I to the plains of Kashari, where I would graze my father’s cattle and, like the rest of Uganda, watch Rajiv grow from the humble boy of Buganda Road to the man he became—from afar.
Brief was our meet, but long was Rajiv’s stay in the media as he headlined each hot topic for months. Navigating the Ugandan scene and finding a place for himself proved to be more daunting for the young steer than he’d previously imagined. To remove himself from his father’s shadow and convince the family and Ugandan public that he could be of independent mind and capable of much more than he was credited was rather challenging, as mistake after mistake only further fuelled his anger and ambition as the need for accomplishment and to prove ‘everyone’ wrong harangued his every waking moment.
Undeterred despite the negative feedback, the young buck set out to learn and master the very mechanisms that worked the government and the economy, as well as understanding and connecting with the Ugandan people on a more personal level. An apt response to the malicious vitriol that dominated the papers, following his every move. Rebranding himself was just the beginning, and through various outreaches and initiatives, Rajiv was able to acquire the necessary information, tools, and network to completely immerse himself in the Ugandan scene and thus finally emerge as Rajiv-Musajja-wa-Bantu (The Man of the People).
So fine was his trajectory that he went from being the city’s most ‘spoiled brat’ to Kampala’s darling within a space of two years. The goat races served as his launching pad, but it was his generosity and amiable nature that won over the hearts of millions of Ugandans. This was very evident with the actualization of his rally racing team that really showcased the support and love he’d managed to garner for himself outside of his family’s influence.
“When I started working at the residence, I found him to be very approachable and understanding. Quick to laugh and chastise you at the same time. My heart is in pieces and I would give anything to speak to boss again,” shared one employee of the Ruparelia family, who chose to stay anonymous.
All this achieved in such a minute lifetime is nothing short of a feat that only Rajiv had been designed to do. By daring to open his heart to the public, to be himself, and to live without abandon, Rajiv was able to touch the lives of thousands across the nation. He lived a life many could only imagine, yet still remained true to himself and those around him. His boldness and courage left many in fear and awe, whilst his largesse knew no bounds. Suffice to say that a legend was stolen from us, but his memory will forever be part and parcel with Uganda’s history.
“Rajiv built lasting relationships—both among his peers and within political and social circles. He had a way of connecting with people that was genuine and lasting,” shared a bereaved Sudhir Ruparelia at his son’s funeral on Tuesday.
His demise, although sudden and unexpected, still serves as a stark reminder of what he stood for and believed. He, without remorse, lived his life to the fullest, never letting setbacks hinder his mission, and not once relenting to the pressures that came with the job as father, businessman, and son. It is imperative that I remind all Ugandans about the road we travel in this life and how it leads to the same destination. Although some may arrive earlier, it does not add to the inches of one’s grave should another stay alive a little bit longer.
To Sudhir and Jyostna, we thank you—thank you for giving Rajiv a life that you could not be afforded yourselves. Thank you for sharing him with the world and allowing him to be a light to so many in the dark. Your love that was unconditional and sacrificial not only allowed him to touch many but also forever changed what determines humanity and the need to believe in one’s self despite circumstance and situation. To Meera and Sheena, it is without a doubt that as surely as your hearts beat, so will Rajiv’s memory. Take solace and comfort in the fact that Uganda mourns with you, and where you have lost a brother, you have gained a battalion of friends and family who will forever fight to keep the memory of a champion alive.
Finally, to Rajiv, you lived, loved, and now, you have left. Although not entirely; somewhere in the heart of Kampala, amidst the warm embrace of family, sits a beautiful girl named Inara. And one day, when she googles her father, amidst all the criticisms and controversy, I hope she happens upon an article such as this. To know her father for who he truly was. A man with a fine heart. So, as you now race with chariots of fire amongst the greats like Ben Hur and Steve McQueen, I hope you finally find true happiness and rest. Rest well, my friend. Rajiv, Man of the People.
