Kampala, Uganda: Members of the influential Kwagalana Group, an umbrella body for the richest businessmen and women in Uganda, Tuesday paid tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia, describing him as a visionary, compassionate, and enterprising young leader whose death has left a deep void in Uganda’s business and social landscape.
Led by veteran real estate mogul Godfrey Kirumira, the Kampala tycoons delivered their eulogy during Rajiv’s cremation ceremony held at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala, praising Rajiv’s bold leadership and inclusive spirit as a key factor for the Ruparelia Group’s continued growth.
“This great loss is not only personal to your family, Dr. Sudhir, but also a profound blow to all of us who knew Rajiv, raised him, and saw him grow up,” Kirumira said. “He has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in the business community of Uganda at large.”
Kirumira described Rajiv as a “shining example of industrial courage and determination,” and a proud bearer of the Ruparelia legacy who added innovation, fearless ambition, and a youthful touch to the family empire.
“Rajiv carried the Ruparelia name with ambition, innovation, a strong work ethic, and a fearless approach to challenges,” Kirumira added. “But more than that, he was a man of the people—kind, humble, and genuinely invested in the well-being of others.”
The group credited Rajiv’s mentorship and leadership as an inspiration to the youth, especially those seeking to break barriers in business. “He stood out as a beacon of hope for the youth and upcoming leaders. His dreams, though tragically cut short, will live on in the lives he touched and the institutions he built,” Kirumira noted.
“To you, Dr. Sudhir and family, we stand with you in this hour of unimaginable grief,” Kirumira added. “Words may offer little comfort, but your Kwagalana family holds you close in our thoughts and prayers. We share your sorrow and commit to walking with you in this journey of mourning.”
Rajiv, 35, was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and was widely seen as the dynamic face of the conglomerate’s next-generation leadership. He died in a tragic car crash on Saturday, May 3, after his Nissan GTR rammed into pavement barriers along the Kajjansi-Munyonyo Expressway near the Busabala Flyover and caught fire.
His passing triggered a wave of tributes from political, business, and religious leaders who hailed his passion for development, philanthropy, and youthful empowerment.
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