Kampala, Uganda: Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga has expressed deep gratitude to business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia and the Ruparelia family for their compassionate condolence visit following the death of his mother, Mama Immaculate Kayonga.
The Ruparelia family, founders and proprietors of Victoria University, paid the visit after the passing of Mama Kayonga on December 21, 2025, standing with Prof. Muganga during what he described as one of the most painful moments of his life.
Dr. Ruparelia was accompanied by his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia, daughter Sheena Ruparelia, and son-in-law Jay Sakaria, in a gesture Prof. Muganga said went far beyond formality.
“You touched my soul… your kindness is unmatched,” Prof. Muganga said, describing the family’s presence as deeply comforting and affirming at a time of profound grief.
Mama Immaculate Kayonga, who was 86 years old, was laid to rest in Gwafu–Seeta, Mukono District. In earlier tributes, Prof. Muganga described his late mother as his lifelong pillar, mentor, and moral compass, crediting her unwavering faith, generosity, and compassion with shaping both his personal values and professional leadership.
He has often spoken of her as the foundation of his commitment to service, humanity, and education, noting that her influence continues to guide his work in academia and community leadership.
The condolence visit has further highlighted the close relationship between the Ruparelia family and Victoria University, an institution they founded and continue to support. Colleagues and observers say the gesture reflects the family’s long-standing culture of empathy and personal engagement with the university community.
News of the visit has since drawn admiration across Uganda’s education sector, with staff, students, partners, and well-wishers commending the Ruparelia family for what many described as a rare and genuine show of solidarity.
As messages of support continue to pour in, the moment has been widely viewed as a reminder that leadership, whether in business or academia, is also defined by humanity, compassion, and presence in times of sorrow.
