Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s motorsport community will this May take to the road in a symbolic procession from RR Pearl Tower One to Speke Resort Munyonyo to honour the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, marking one year since his passing.
Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Drive will bring together drivers, car clubs, and enthusiasts for a coordinated convoy between the two locations closely tied to his legacy.
Organised by TT Drags and Drifts UG under the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda, the event shifts focus from competitive racing to a reflective tribute.
Participants will assemble at RR Pearl Tower One for registration and briefing before flag-off, with organisers describing the drive as a moment of unity and remembrance. “This is more than just a drive, it’s a moment for the community to come together, reflect, and celebrate a life that touched many,” one organiser said.
The convoy will then proceed in an organised formation to Speke Resort Munyonyo, creating a moving tribute expected to draw attention across the city.
A Symbolic Route
The choice of route carries deep significance. RR Pearl Tower One stands as a tribute to Rajiv’s legacy within the Ruparelia Group, while Speke Resort Munyonyo reflects his role in shaping Uganda’s hospitality sector.
Unlike traditional motorsport events, the memorial drive is not a race but a coordinated procession focused on respect, safety, and community.
The memorial drive is part of a broader series of tributes that have marked the past year since Rajiv’s passing.
In October 2025, the National Rally Championship dedicated its sixth round in his honour in Gulu, while the Ruparelia Foundation has led impactful community initiatives.
These include a large-scale eye care outreach in Bukedea, where over 5,000 people received treatment and 265 surgeries were conducted, as well as a planned prosthetic leg donation drive at Mulago National Referral Hospital aimed at restoring mobility to amputees.
For many enthusiasts, Rajiv’s legacy remains deeply personal. Known for his passion for cars and connection with the motorsport community, he played a key role in shaping Uganda’s automotive culture.
“This is how we remember him, through the things he loved and the people he brought together,” one participant said.
The event is expected to attract a wide range of participants, from professional drivers to young enthusiasts inspired by his journey.
As engines roar on May 3, the convoy will carry more than horsepower; it will carry memory, unity, and a shared commitment to preserving a legacy.
One year on, Rajiv Ruparelia continues to be remembered not just in words, but in motion.
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