KAMPALA.
In line with his Hindu culture which he cherished so much, the body of fallen businessman Rajiv Ruparelia who tragically died in a city car crash will be cremated this Tuesday, the family has announced .
Rajiv,35 the only son of Ugandan property magnet and investor Sudhir Ruparelia suddenly died in an early Saturday morning car crash at the Busabala Flyover traffic lights along the Southern Bypass connecting to Entebbe Expressway in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
He was driving his Nissan GTR motor vehicle with Registration Number UAT 638L which reportedly hit temporary pavements that were installed at the roundabout section of the flyover and lost control forcing the car to overturn and later caught fire .
Rajiv was driving from Kajjansi towards Munyonyo when the crash happened, according to traffic police .On the same day , Saturday , Rajiv was scheduled to attend the wedding of his friend Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
According to a funeral programme released by the family on Saturday , the cremation of Rajiv’s body will take place at the Hindu crematorium in Lugogo at 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
“It is with a deep and heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son Rajiv Ruparelia early this morning,” the statement read. “The family asks that their privacy be respected during this tough and trying time.”
The body is currently kept at Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary and a vigil is underway at the family home Kampala’s upscale Kololo suburb .
Several Ugandans from all walks of life have eulogized Rajiv as an astute businessman Uganda is going to miss .
In her condolence message to the family posted on microblogging site X ,formerly Twitter
Speaker Anita Among Magogo said Rajiv’s untimely death had deprived Uganda a young and enterprising person.
“He made significant contributions to our economy and the employment sector . May God comfort those in mourning and grant his soul eternal rest ,” she said
Among’s Deputy Thomas Tayebwa said Rajiv’s sudden demise is difficult to comprehend .
“He was full of life and loved this country with all his heart . Like his father , he was an
accomplished entrepreneur with a big heart for humanity . My condolences to Mr Sudhir and Mrs Jyostna Ruparelia on this painful loss. May you be granted the strength to overcome the grief and pain this death has caused your family ,” he said
National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi said Rajiv was humble , kind and generous young man .
“My sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the family of Mr Sudhir Ruparelia ,the Ugandan business community ,and every one whose life Rajiv touched . May his soul rest in peace” he said
State Minister for Youth Balaam Barugahara described Rajiv as a brilliant and visionary entrepreneur, passionate rally driver .
“His contributions to Uganda’s business landscape will be remembered for generations ,” he said
By the time of his death , Rajiv was supervising construction of a multibillion resort at the former site of Ssese Gateway Beach in Kitubulu near Entebbe Town .