By Our Reporter
The China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), the contractor behind the Kajjansi–Munyonyo Expressway, has been sued for alleged negligence in connection with the tragic death of businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, son of billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia.
Rajiv died in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, after his Nissan GT-R (UAT 658H) crashed into unmarked concrete barriers at the Busabala Flyover Junction. The crash occurred at approximately 1:54 am, with eyewitnesses describing a fiery scene in which the car flipped and burst into flames.
In a suit filed at the High Court Civil Division in Kampala, Soroti-based lawyer Joshua Okello accuses CSCEC of “gross negligence in road construction and management.” The application seeks judicial orders compelling the contractor to improve road signage, complete outstanding works, and ban the placement of unmarked barriers at night.
“This fatal accident, which claimed Rajiv’s life and those of many others, is an unforgivable incident that lays bare the respondent’s failure to ensure road safety,” Okello said in his affidavit. “Placing barriers without proper warning amounts to gross misconduct and must be addressed urgently.”
The petition also calls on the court to issue a writ of mandamus against the Chinese contractor and relevant government agencies, forcing them to expedite road completion and comply with safety engineering standards.
“Putting unmarked barriers in the middle of an active road disrupts traffic flow and endangers lives. This practice violates both the Constitution and basic principles of equity,” the court filing states.
Rajiv, who had reportedly just returned from London, was said to be driving alone after attending a pre-wedding celebration. He was expected to serve as a groomsman later that day. Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, a close family friend, described the crash as “a ball of fire… he and the car were incinerated.”
The suit comes amid growing public criticism and scrutiny of infrastructure safety. Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, recently demanded an explanation from the acting Commissioner for Roads, Eng. Isaac Wani, regarding delays and safety lapses on major road projects.
Wani acknowledged some shortcomings, citing prolonged procedures like land acquisition and subgrade preparation. He promised to revise safety protocols following recent fatal incidents.
As pressure mounts on both contractors and government supervisors, Okello emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention.
“The state and its contractors have a duty of care,” he said. “Without court intervention, negligence will continue unchecked—and more lives will be lost.”
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