Grief and Tributes as Rajiv Ruparelia is Cremated in Lugogo

Kampala, Uganda

Emotions ran high today as thousands of mourners gathered at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo to pay their final respects to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, son of renowned businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. The 35-year-old businessman and philanthropist tragically passed away in a motor accident late last week.

The somber ceremony was attended by a wide cross-section of Ugandan society, including top government officials, business moguls, politicians, and ordinary citizens whose lives Rajiv had touched in one way or another. Among the notable attendees was Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Speaker of Parliament, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the event. Also present were members of the Bagagga Kwagalana Group led by Godfrey Kirumira, businessman Hamis Kiggundu, Members of Parliament, and several dignitaries from the business and diplomatic communities.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, visibly heartbroken, described his son as a joyful soul with a determined spirit. “Rajiv was a jolly boy from childhood who matured early and showed strong signs of leadership, hard work, and vision. It is deeply painful to lose him at a time when he still had so much to offer the world,” he said.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the President. In his statement, President Museveni extended his condolences to the Ruparelia family and praised Rajiv for his immense contribution to Uganda’s economic growth.
“Rajiv was a vibrant and innovative young man whose entrepreneurial spirit has left a mark in several sectors, including real estate, education, and hospitality,” read the message.

Rajiv was widely known for his leadership in the Ruparelia Group, where he played a key role in modernizing operations and expanding the family’s business footprint. His sudden passing has left a deep void, especially within Uganda’s business community, where he was admired for his integrity, innovation, and philanthropy.

Many business leaders mourned his passing, describing it as a great loss not only to the family but to the country at large. The event concluded with traditional Hindu rites, followed by the cremation.

As the flames rose, so did the collective grief of a nation bidding farewell to a rising star gone too soon.