Kampala, Uganda: Business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ugandans and the international community for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support following the tragic death of his son, Rajiv Ruparelia, in a car crash on May 3, 2025.
In a solemn appreciation message shared in the NewVision newspaper on Friday, May 09, Dr. Sudhir wrote: “On behalf of the Ruparelia Family, we extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Uganda for the overwhelming support, love, and compassion shown during the send-off of Rajiv Ruparelia.”
“Your presence, kind words, prayers, and generous contributions have brought comfort to our hearts in this difficult time. We are humbled by the unity and solidarity displayed by friends, colleagues, and fellow citizens from all walks of life.”
“Thank you for standing with us. Your support has reminded us of the strength of our community and the profound impact Rajiv had on so many lives,” concluded the message.
The message was accompanied by a poignant image from Rajiv’s cremation ceremony at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, where traditional rites, including the breaking of a clay pot, symbolizing the soul’s release, were performed on May 6.
The farewell came after a vigil at the Ruparelia family home in Kololo, attended by thousands of mourners from all walks of life, business tycoons, government officials, ordinary Ugandans, and slum residents, highlighting Rajiv’s reach across social divides.
Rajiv, aged 35, was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, widely seen as the heir to his father’s multi-sector empire. He died instantly after his high-powered Nissan GTR rammed into unmarked concrete barriers along the Busabala Flyover in Makindye–Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, overturned, and burst into flames.
Rajiv’s widow Naiya, their three-year-old daughter Inara, his sisters Meera and Sheena, and parents Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia now mourn a man widely celebrated for his humility, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
The Ruparelia family ended their public statement with the Hindu salutation “Om Shanti”, a prayer for eternal peace, as they begin the long process of healing from a loss that has touched Uganda’s corporate, political, and social fabric.
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