Rajiv Ruparelia, the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and son of prominent businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, has died in a car crash in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The 35-year-old was the only occupant in a white Nissan GTR that crashed at the Busabala Flyover traffic lights in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, shortly before 2am.
According to police, the car was travelling from Kajjansi towards Munyonyo when it struck temporary barriers at the roundabout section of the flyover, overturned and caught fire. Rajiv was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. However, investigations are ongoing,” said SP Michael Kananura from the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, who also extended condolences on behalf of the Uganda Police Force.
In a brief statement posted on social media, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, confirmed the incident and Rajiv’s identity:
“We have been informed that the driver was Rajiv Ruparelia (35). He died at the scene. Investigations ongoing.”
The news has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s business and social communities, where Rajiv had built a reputation as one of the country’s leading young entrepreneurs.
Born on 2 January 1990, Rajiv was educated in the United Kingdom and held a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University London. He returned to Uganda in 2014 to take an active role in the family business, becoming Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group just three years later.
Under his leadership, the conglomerate—which has interests in real estate, hospitality, finance and education—expanded significantly, overseeing developments such as Speke Apartments, Kingdom Kampala, and Kampala Boulevard.
Rajiv was also known for his involvement in motorsport. A passionate rally driver, he founded the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and played a key role in reviving interest in the sport. He made his debut in 2019 and quickly made an impression with his competitive pace before taking a sabbatical in 2022.
He served as Patron of the Central Motorsport Club and was a member of the national motorsport governing body assembly.
Away from business and sport, Rajiv supported various philanthropic causes through the Ruparelia Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare and the environment.
Victoria University, where Rajiv was also active, confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family.
In a statement, the Ruparelia family said:
“The family of Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia would like to inform all family, friends, and in-laws of the sudden death of their son, Rajiv Ruparelia. Rajiv died in a car accident at 2:44am. He was 35 years old and is survived by a daughter of three years. May his soul rest in peace.”
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute across social media.
“Rest in eternal peace, dear brother Rajiv Ruparelia. May Allah embrace you in warmth and grant you paradise,” wrote Sulaiman Bukenya, a close friend and chairman of Uganda Online Investments Ltd.
Rajiv is survived by his wife, Naiya, and their young daughter. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
