By Frank Kamuntu
In a moving tribute, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia, a dynamic business leader and director of the university. Rajiv, 35, tragically lost his life in a car crash on the Entebbe Expressway in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“It is hard to believe that Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia is gone. I am still trying to come to terms with the news. Life can be painfully unfair sometimes,” Prof. Muganga said in a heartfelt message to the Ruparelia family, university community and the nation.
The Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that Rajiv was the sole victim of a fatal accident involving a white Nissan GTR (UAT 638L), which crashed, overturned, and caught fire at the Busabala flyover at 1:54 a.m. on May 3rd.
Prof. Muganga extended his deepest condolences to Dr. Sudhir and Mrs. Jyotsna Ruparelia, parents of the deceased, stating, “I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with you.”
Rajiv was the only son of one of Uganda’s most prominent entrepreneurial families. Born in Kampala on January 2, 1990, and educated in the UK with a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University London, Rajiv returned to Uganda to lead the Ruparelia Group as Managing Director from 2014. Under his leadership, the Group expanded its influence across sectors including real estate, education, hospitality, and finance.
“Rajiv was full of life, vision, and passion,” Prof. Muganga reflected. “He believed in building a better future and worked tirelessly to uplift others. His kindness, energy, and commitment to excellence touched countless lives, including mine.”
In addition to his business acumen, Rajiv was known for his love of motorsports, actively participating in rally driving, and for his philanthropic work through the Ruparelia Foundation. He was also instrumental in green development initiatives such as the eco-conscious Kampala Kingdom Mall.
In 2024, Rajiv’s leadership was recognized continentally when he was named among Africa’s Top 100 Young Business Leaders by the Choiseul 100 Africa ranking.
To his colleagues and friends, Prof. Muganga offered a message of unity and remembrance: “To all his friends, colleagues, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, I share your grief and stand with you during this time of sorrow.”
Rajiv is survived by his wife, Naiya Khagram Ruparelia, and his parents. The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
“May we all find comfort in the memories he left us and the legacy he built,” Muganga concluded. “May Rajiv’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
Uganda has indeed lost a visionary whose impact will continue to shape the country for generations to come.
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