Kampala, Uganda: More than 40 amputees received life-changing prosthetic limbs at Mulago National Referral Hospital, as the Ruparelia Foundation marked one year since the passing of Rajiv Ruparelia with a powerful act of giving that turned grief into impact.
The emotional outreach held on Sunday, May 03 (the day on which Rajiv lost his life in a tragic motor crash), saw 20 beneficiaries fitted with prosthetic limbs on the day, while another 20, including four children, were assessed and will receive theirs within two weeks, restoring mobility and dignity to individuals who had long lost hope.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Jyotsna Ruparelia, wife to Businessman and Philanthropist Sudhir Ruparelia, described the initiative as a continuation of Rajiv’s spirit of generosity. “Today is not just about remembering him, it is about continuing him… Every prosthetic given today is someone walking again, living again,” she said.
“Through every life we touch, you are still here. We will not only remember you, we will continue you,” she added.
Mrs Jyotsna’s words captured the essence of a day that blended remembrance with purpose—where legacy was measured not in speeches, but in lives transformed.
A Legacy That Walks On
Mulago Hospital leadership hailed the initiative as both timely and impactful, highlighting the scale of need across Uganda.
The Executive Director, Dr Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima, noted that Mulago continues to grapple with a growing waiting list for prosthetics. “We had about 200 patients waiting, and even more came forward after the announcement. Many out there don’t even show up because they have no hope,” she said.
“This gesture is not small… you would have stayed home mourning, but you chose to give in his memory.”
Dr. Byanyima also highlighted the need to address the root causes of limb loss, particularly preventable incidents such as accidents, while calling for improved investment in modern prosthetic technology.
“Another challenge we have is that our workshop is very old. We use old technology, although we are able to do something. We hope in the near future to partner with you and with government to improve the technology we use,” she added.
The Chairperson of the Mulago Hospital Board, Prof. Philippa Musoke, commended the Ruparelia family for turning grief into compassion, describing the initiative as a continuation of Rajiv’s legacy.
“It is easy to be overwhelmed by loss, but the family has chosen to share with those in need. Giving these limbs restores dignity and independence,” Prof. Musoke said.
She emphasized that while the support may seem small compared to the national need, it marks an important step toward improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
“Mulago Hospital remains eternally grateful to the Executive Director and top management for enabling us to host this occasion in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia,” she added. “Today could have been a sad day, but it is also joyful because he is giving life to others.”
Restoring Dignity, Rebuilding Lives
Representing the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, revealed that approximately 5.5 million Ugandans—about 13.5% of the population—live with some form of disability.
“Many of these individuals require assistive devices. What we are witnessing today is part of a broader effort to address mobility challenges and improve quality of life,” Dr. Olaro said.
He pointed out that trauma, particularly from road accidents, remains one of the leading causes of limb loss, stressing the importance of prevention alongside treatment. “Disability is not inability. With the right support, individuals can still contribute meaningfully to society,” Dr Olaro added.
For beneficiaries, the impact was immediate and profound, each prosthetic limb symbolising independence regained and futures restored.
From Grief to Purpose
The day was summed up by Sudhir’s granddaughter, Inara Ruparelia (daughter to late Rajiv), whose emotional tribute moved the crowd with the deeper meaning behind the initiative: “One year ago, we lost our dad… but today we continue his legacy. He believed in giving people hope, especially those who cannot walk.”
The Mulago prosthetic camp forms part of a broader remembrance programme that has seen the Ruparelia family turn personal loss into public good, ensuring that Rajiv’s legacy continues not in silence, but in action.
In a country where thousands still lack access to assistive devices, the initiative stands as a reminder that meaningful tribute is not just about remembering the departed, but about transforming lives in their name.
The Camp was proudly sponsored by the Ruparelia Foundation in partnership with Suman Venkatesh Foundation, an Indian national remembered for her charitable work during her stay in Uganda. Officials noted that beyond the direct beneficiaries, the camp also served to raise awareness about the availability of assistive devices and the need to eliminate stigma surrounding disability.
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