Rajiv Remembered: Sudhir Ruparelia Dedicates Kampala’s Tallest Business Tower to Late Son

By Frank Kamuntu

Kampala’s skyline has a striking new addition following the unveiling of RR Pearl Tower One, a 25-storey Grade A office building developed by business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. Rising prominently along Yusuf Lule Road, the tower is the first phase of the ambitious Pearl Business Park project, designed to transform Uganda’s central business district into a hub of modern commerce.

The skyscraper offers state-of-the-art office spaces, conferencing facilities, and premium amenities tailored to attract both local enterprises and international tenants. Beyond its commercial promise, however, RR Pearl Tower One carries profound personal meaning for the Ruparelia family.

The initials “RR” pay tribute to Sudhir’s late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who tragically passed away in a car accident on May 3, 2025. Rajiv, remembered for his dynamism and vision, had been deeply involved in the family’s diverse ventures spanning real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy.

“RR Pearl Tower One is more than a structure; it is a symbol of memory and hope,” Sudhir said during the launch. In a moving moment, Rajiv’s mother, Jyotsna Ruparelia, lit a symbolic candle before the unveiling of the tower’s plaque, underscoring the family’s emotional connection to the project.

Family members and close associates regard the development as a living tribute to Rajiv’s legacy. Hailed by many as “the modern face of the Ruparelia Empire,” he had been seen as a rising force in Uganda’s business community, committed to innovation and expansion before his untimely passing.

The tower’s unveiling is expected to make a significant mark on Kampala’s economy, generating employment, attracting foreign and domestic investment, and setting new benchmarks for high-end business spaces in the region. For the city, RR Pearl Tower One represents a leap forward in urban modernization. For the Ruparelia family, it stands as an enduring monument to Rajiv’s spirit, dreams, and contributions.

Towering over Kampala’s skyline, RR Pearl Tower One embodies dual legacies — a beacon of commercial progress and a heartfelt memorial to a life of promise cut short. It ensures that Rajiv’s vision lives on, firmly rooted in the very heart of the capital.