Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has mourned the passing of Rajiv Ruparelia, son of business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, describing him as a visionary businessman and generous soul whose death has robbed Uganda of a key player in its socio-economic transformation journey.
The President’s eulogy was delivered on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among during a solemn cremation ceremony held at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala, where Rajiv was laid to rest in a private send-off attended by close family, government officials, business leaders, and friends.
“To Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Ruparelia and the entire bereaved family, Mama Janet and I learned with profound sadness of the tragedy that befell your family following the sudden demise of your dear son Rajiv in a motor accident,” read Museveni’s message.
President Museveni praised Rajiv’s contribution to national development, noting that since the NRM government came to power in 1986 and opened Uganda’s doors to the return of expelled Asians, the Ruparelia family had seized the opportunity to build a formidable business empire.
“I wish to thank the Ruparelia family for taking advantage of the prevailing conditions of peace, security, and favorable policies to establish a business empire that has created so many jobs and income to our people,” Museveni said.
He acknowledged Rajiv’s efforts in spearheading social upliftment projects, particularly for the underprivileged, the children and youth, calling him a man of generosity and compassion.
“His death has robbed this country of his contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, both in the present and in the future,” the President noted.
President Museveni’s message was accompanied by a condolence envelope of Shs50 million extended to the Ruparelia family.
Speaker Anita Among, delivering her own condolences, described Rajiv as “a friend to all, regardless of age or status,” and commended his humility, generosity, and kindness. She pledged continued support to Dr. Sudhir and Mrs. Jyotsna Ruparelia during this period of grief.
During the same ceremony, a visibly heartbroken Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia delivered a moving tribute to his 35-year-old son, recalling cherished memories, his philanthropic spirit, and a life lived with passion and purpose.
“He dazzled those around him with his charisma, his laughter, his bond. He had the rare ability to make every person feel seen and valued. But what truly defined Rajiv was his enormous heart. He was especially passionate about helping children from underprivileged backgrounds,” Dr Sudhir Ruparelia said.
“He quietly supported their education from primary school to university, providing resources, mentorship, encouragement to help them dream bigger. Over these past few days, countless young people have come forward to share how Rajiv’s generosity transformed their lives. That was who he was. Someone who saw potential where others saw limitation. Rajiv was also a steadfast pillar of support to all who knew him,” he added.
Sudhir talked of the late as a genuine, loyal, and an honest son, “be it in joy or in hardship, and he was reliable,”. He said Rajiv was a humble son who identified with everyone, adding: “He built lasting relationships across all walks of life, among his peers in political and social circles, and with anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.”
One of his fun activities that he indulged in was rally driving. “He pursued it with great passion and intensity. So much so that, at one point, I asked him to (step away from his own safety,” Sudhir recalled, explaining that though his late son eventually stepped back from rallying, the sport always remained close to his heart.
Ruparelia recalled how he bought him a small briefcase at a tender age of five and he was so proud of it.
“You know, a five-year-old carrying a small briefcase, as far as his size and guess what? he would fill it with chocolates. He came into a meeting while we’re discussing, he opened his suitcase and started eating his sweets. He would fill it with chocolates before we set off,” he said.
Ms Jyotsna Ruparelia, the mother of the late businessman, spoke of the tender love she enjoyed with him, and before regretting leaving him to go out on a Friday night without her.
“Son, it’s going to be very difficult, but we have to let you go, son. Son, I’m very sorry, as I always took you as a little kid, I always said keep down, calm down, Rajiv, slow down. I’m sorry if I hurt you, son, but you know mothers love their children. I still remember when I used to drop you off at a boarding school, the problems you would create at school every time. You told me you wanted to create some problems such that they would suspend you and go home early,” an emotional Ms Ruparelia said.
She added: “I’m going to miss you, son. I remember the golf days with you, my restaurants, and clubbing nights with you. I really wish on Friday night I came clubbing with you. I would not have allowed you to go into that speeding car.”
Jyotsna, who was being supported by her husband, also recalled how Rajiv had promised her scooter holidays, but the same couldn’t be possible after she was hospitalised when a golf ball hit her.
“I remember Rajiv, son, telling you that I needed a scooter holiday, a motorbike holiday. Rajiv, you planned a motorbike holiday, and you put everything on track, but unfortunately, I was hit by a golf ball. You came to the hospital with me and said ‘Mum, it’s fine, we are still going to go on a motorbike holiday’ but I was scared,” she recalled “I wish I had taken that opportunity to go on a motorbike holiday with you, but I will one day do it and remember you. I will miss you, son, I love you. Please forgive the whole Ruparelia family if we harmed you. You always wanted a family. Last night, 13 of us fell into bed and we really missed you. Son, I’m really proud of you for the legacy you have left behind at 35 years old,” she added.
The widow, Nalya Ruparelia, broke down severally. “I stand here with a heavy heart. Rajiv was my first love, the kind that stays with you. We had a bond that was complex and deep.
I truly love him a lot. He was one of those people who would fill up the room with energy, he could drive you up the wall, that was Rajiv. He had an undeniable spark.
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