KAMPALA, UGANDA — Rajiv Ruparelia, 35, the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and son of prominent Ugandan businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, tragically died early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle car accident near the Busabala Flyover, police have confirmed.
According to a press statement issued on Saturday by police spokesperson SP Kananura Michael, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 1:54 a.m. local time at traffic lights situated on the Busabala Flyover in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
“We regret to report a tragic single fatal crash that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025, at approximately 01:54 AM at the Busabala Flyover traffic lights, located in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District,” SP Kananura Michael said in the statement.
Police reports indicate that Mr. Ruparelia was driving a Nissan GTR (UAT 638L) from the direction of Kajjansi towards Munyonyo when the vehicle collided with temporary pavements at a roundabout located on the flyover. Subsequently, the vehicle overturned and caught fire, resulting in Mr. Ruparelia’s immediate death at the scene.
“The crash involved a Nissan GTR motor vehicle registration number UAT 638L, which was traveling from Kajjansi towards Munyonyo. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle after colliding with temporary pavements installed at the roundabout section of the flyover. The vehicle subsequently overturned and caught fire, leading to the instant death of the driver, identified as Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia,” SP Kananura added.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident and have stated that further details will be released to the public as they become available.
Who was Rajiv Ruparelia?
Rajiv Ruparelia was a key figure in the growth and diversification of the Ruparelia Group, a prominent conglomerate with significant investments across various sectors including real estate, education, hospitality, and agriculture.
Rajiv Ruparelia, the 35-year-old son of prominent Ugandan business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has passed away, leaving behind a significant legacy as the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, one of Uganda’s largest privately-held conglomerates with diverse interests spanning real estate, education, hospitality, and finance.
Born on January 2, 1990, Rajiv received his education in the United Kingdom, graduating with a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University London.
He returned to Uganda in 2014 and steadily progressed within the family business. By 2017, his leadership capabilities were recognized with his appointment as Managing Director, where he oversaw several of the Group’s most notable developments, including Speke Apartments, Kingdom Kampala, and Kampala Boulevard.
Beyond his significant contributions to the business world, Rajiv was a passionate enthusiast and active participant in motorsport, particularly rally driving. He established the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and played a vital role in revitalizing the sport within Uganda.
His youthful energy and approachable demeanor endeared him to many, particularly within the corporate and sporting spheres.
Rajiv was also recognized for his philanthropic endeavors through the Ruparelia Foundation, which supports various initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. He is survived by his wife, Naiya, and their children.
While the Ruparelia Group has yet to release an official statement, tributes have begun to pour in from across Uganda, with many describing Rajiv as a visionary leader, a kind and compassionate individual, and a generational figure.
Close friend Sulaiman Bukenya shared his grief, saying, “Rest in eternal peace, dear brother Rajiv Ruparelia. May Allah embrace you in warmth and grant you paradise. Until we meet again. I am out of words.”
His passing is a significant loss to the business community in Uganda.
