By Frank Kamuntu
The Ruparelia family has announced plans to construct a new landmark, Inara Tower, in memory of the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia. The revelation was made during his cremation ceremony held on May 6, 2025, at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala, following his untimely passing.
During the emotional send-off, Rajiv’s mother, Jotsyna Ruparelia, paid tribute to her son’s generosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and individuality. She noted that despite being the son of one of Uganda’s wealthiest men, Rajiv created a name and identity of his own. She revealed that the family would now fulfill Rajiv’s vision of constructing a tower named after his daughter, Inara.
“I thought Rajiv was so familiar being a son of Sudhir Ruparelia, but in the last three days, what I found out is that Rajiv created his own identity. You wanted an Inara Tower—that is going to be our next project. Rajiv, I’m so proud of you,” she said.
The announcement of Inara Tower is poised to add to the legacy of the Ruparelia Group, one of the largest privately owned conglomerates in East Africa. The tower, once completed, will complement the group’s extensive portfolio of real estate and commercial developments across the region.
As of June 2024, the Ruparelia Group owned and managed the following businesses and properties:
- Premier Recruitment Limited – Kampala
- Crane Management Services Limited – Kampala
- Delhi Public International School – Naguru, Kampala
- Goldstar Insurance Company Limited – Kampala
- Kabira Country Club – Bukoto, Kampala
- Kampala International School Uganda
- Kampala Parents’ School
- Kampala Speke Hotel – Kampala
- Meera Investments Limited – Kampala
- Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort – Munyonyo
- Premier Roses Limited – Entebbe
- Rosebud Limited – Entebbe
- Sanyu FM 88.2 – Kampala
- Speke Apartments Limited – Kampala
- Speke Resort and Conference Center – Munyonyo, Kampala
- Kampala Tourist Hotel – Kampala
- Victoria University Uganda – Kampala
- Vcon Construction Uganda Limited
- Premier Sand Limited
Additionally, the group maintains commercial and real estate interests in Rwanda, South Sudan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Major developments include:
- Pearl Business Park
- Arie Towers – Kampala, a 14-story high-rise in the upscale Nakasero neighborhood
- Speke Resort Convention Centre – Munyonyo, a 4,400-seater convention facility
- Paradise Island Resort – Located on Paradise Island on Lake Victoria, accessible by boat from Speke Resort Munyonyo
The cremation ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, Prince David Wasajja of the Buganda Kingdom, and members of the Kwagalana Group, along with many business leaders and politicians.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, speaking with emotion, described Rajiv as a brilliant and passionate individual. He highlighted Rajiv’s deep commitment to philanthropy, including support for vulnerable children such as young rappers Fresh Kid and Felista, whom he sponsored at Kampala Parents’ School. He also fondly recalled Rajiv’s enthusiasm for motorsports, which he once tried to discourage due to safety concerns.
“Rajiv was the light of our family—a source of joy and unforgettable memories. This is a loss beyond words,” Dr. Sudhir said.
With the upcoming Inara Tower, the Ruparelia family continues to honour Rajiv’s dreams, ensuring his legacy lives on through impactful development and heartfelt remembrance.
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