Ugandans and friends across the globe came together in a desperate race to save the life of media personality Cedric Babu Ndilima, who was battling severe heart failure at just 50 years old.
At the center of this wave of generosity stood Sudhir Ruparelia and the Ruparelia family, whose contribution was more than financial it was deeply personal.
When news of Cedric’s condition broke, revealing that he urgently needed a £300,000 (approx. Shs1.5 billion) heart transplant in London, his family launched a GoFundMe campaign on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Within 48 hours, more than Shs200 million (about £39,358) was raised from 343 contributors around the world. But among the donations, one stood out: £2,500 from the Ruparelia family, a gesture rooted in history, love, and heartbreak.
For Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s most prominent businessmen, Cedric was more than a public figure, he was like family. Cedric had shared a close bond with Sudhir’s late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who had passed away years earlier. Together, Cedric and Rajiv had been a dynamic duo in the media space, their vibrant energy lighting up interviews and storytelling across platforms. That history, that brotherhood, moved Sudhir and his family to act swiftly and generously.
Sudhir’s tribute on X (formerly Twitter) said it all. He posted a photo of Cedric and Rajiv together in the midst of a media interview, both smiling with purpose and passion. The caption was heartfelt:
“Another son of ours has left this world. May Cedric’s Soul Rest in Peace. Here with Rajiv, may they rest in peace .”
The rose emoji was simple, but powerful. It symbolized the deep grief of losing not just a friend, but someone considered part of the family. For the Ruparelias, their donation wasn’t just charity, it was a final act of love, a way to honor both Cedric and Rajiv.
The campaign’s momentum was immediate. Donations streamed in from all corners—Uganda, the diaspora, strangers, friends, and celebrities alike. One anonymous contributor donated £7,417, six others gave £1,000 or more, and Leopold Kyanda offered £622. Each donation carried a message of hope. But it was the Ruparelias’ tribute, combining generosity and emotional resonance, that touched many the most.
Tragically, time was not on Cedric’s side. Despite the overwhelming response, his condition worsened, and he passed away less than two days later in a Nairobi hospital. His death stunned a nation and left a void in the media community but also shone a light on Uganda’s unshakable spirit.
Even as some cynics questioned the possibility of raising such a large sum so quickly, their doubts were drowned out by the voices of 343 donors who gave what they could. The GoFundMe effort may have fallen short of the full target, but it became something more a symbol of solidarity, of people rising to support one of their own in his darkest hour.
Cedric Babu Ndilima’s legacy is now intertwined with the story of a nation that refused to be indifferent. In just 48 hours, Uganda showed the world the size of its heart. And in the midst of that show of unity, Sudhir Ruparelia’s gesture stood as a reminder: that beyond wealth, it’s the bonds we build and the memories we cherish that define our humanity
