Kampala City, Uganda: Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General and Kasambya County Member of Parliament David Kabanda has revealed that the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia was the principal sponsor of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 45th birthday celebrations held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in 2019.
Kabanda made the revelation during an interview on Direct Shot, a political talk show hosted by journalist Joseph Kisitu on Baba TV, where he paid tribute to the late entrepreneur and reflected on his generosity and support for national causes.
While praying for Rajiv’s soul to rest in eternal peace, Kabanda described him as one of the key individuals whose contribution ensured the success of the high-profile birthday event.
“I was the first person to organize Muhoozi’s birthday in 2019 and I still remember everyone who helped me make it successful. Rajiv was the biggest sponsor because he offered a free venue at Speke Resort Munyonyo and also catered for the food and drinks for hundreds of guests who attended,” Kabanda revealed.
The legislator said Rajiv’s contribution went beyond providing the venue, noting that the businessman personally facilitated hospitality arrangements for hundreds of guests who attended the celebrations.
Other Contributors Recognized
Kabanda also disclosed that several prominent government officials and political figures contributed financially toward the event.
According to him, lawyer Edwin Karugire, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vincent Bagiire each contributed Shs2 million towards the celebrations.
He further revealed that Cabinet Minister Frank Tumwebaze contributed Shs4 million, among other supporters who helped finance the event.
The birthday celebrations were among the earliest major public events associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s growing political and social influence before the eventual emergence of the MK Movement and later the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Rajiv’s Influence Beyond Business
Kabanda’s remarks add to the growing body of tributes highlighting Rajiv Ruparelia’s influence beyond the corporate world.
Born on January 2, 1990, Rajiv was the son of billionaire businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and served as Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, one of East Africa’s largest privately-owned business conglomerates.
After completing his education in the United Kingdom, Rajiv returned to Uganda and assumed leadership responsibilities across the family’s investments in hospitality, real estate, education, agriculture and leisure.
Under his stewardship, several flagship businesses within the Ruparelia Group expanded significantly, including hospitality facilities, education institutions and real estate developments.
Friends and associates often described him as a dynamic entrepreneur who combined business leadership with philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives.
Remembered for Philanthropy
Beyond boardrooms and business ventures, Rajiv was widely known for supporting sports, community projects, youth programmes and charitable initiatives.
Many beneficiaries of his generosity have since shared stories of how he quietly supported causes without seeking publicity.
His passion for motorsport also earned him admiration within Uganda’s rally fraternity, where he competed in national events and became one of the country’s most recognizable young racing personalities.
Tragic Death Shocked Uganda
Rajiv’s life was cut short on May 3, 2025, when he died in a fatal road accident at Busabala Junction near Munyonyo.
The tragedy occurred shortly after he had returned from London to attend wedding celebrations for the son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders, business executives, religious leaders and ordinary Ugandans who remembered him as an innovative entrepreneur and compassionate humanitarian.
Posthumous Recognition
Rajiv’s legacy continues to receive recognition even after his passing.
Organizers of the 9th PAP Global Awards recently announced that he will receive a posthumous honour during the continental awards ceremony scheduled for August 29, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
According to Pan African Pyramid (PAP), the award seeks to recognize Rajiv’s contribution to philanthropy, business excellence, youth empowerment and community transformation.
For many who knew him, Kabanda’s latest revelation about Rajiv’s role in supporting Gen Muhoozi’s 45th birthday celebrations further illustrates the generosity that defined much of his life.
More than a year after his death, Rajiv Ruparelia continues to be remembered not only as a businessman but also as a figure whose influence extended into philanthropy, youth development and national events that shaped Uganda’s social and political landscape.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
