Prominent Ugandan businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia, 35, tragically lost his life in a car accident early Saturday morning at the Busabala Flyover in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. The incident occurred around 1:54 AM when his white Nissan GTR (registration number UAT 638L) collided with temporary pavement barriers at the roundabout section of the flyover. The vehicle overturned and caught fire, leading to his immediate death.
According to police reports, Rajiv was driving from Kajjansi toward Munyonyo when the vehicle collided with temporary pavement barriers installed at the roundabout section of the flyover. Eyewitnesses reported that the barriers lacked adequate warning signage, especially at night, potentially contributing to the crash. The flyover is part of the Najjanankumbi–Busabala Road upgrade project, contracted to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) in 2021.
Rajiv, the only son of business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning banking, education, real estate, hospitality, and floriculture. Educated in the UK, he returned to Uganda in 2014 and played a pivotal role in expanding the family business. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Rajiv was an avid motorsport enthusiast, founding the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and contributing significantly to the revival of rally racing in Uganda.
Rajiv’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with tributes pouring in from various sectors. He is survived by his wife, Naiya, and their children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ruparelia family in due course.
