On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:30 PM, the cremation of Rajiv Ruparelia will take place at the Hindu Crematorium along Lugogo Bypass. Rajiv, a respected businessman and philanthropist, tragically died in a car accident on May 3 at the age of 35. His cremation date was chosen based on Hindu customs, family arrangements, and the deep sadness felt across the country. As Kampala prepares to say goodbye to the only son of billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia, many people are remembering the positive mark Rajiv left as a leader, a father, and a generous giver.
Rajiv was born on January 2, 1990, and grew up in a successful business family. His parents, Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, built the Ruparelia Group, which has interests in real estate, education, hospitality, and more. Rajiv went to school in the UK, studying at Dragon School, Dean Close, and later earning a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University London. He returned to Uganda with global knowledge and a strong passion for business.
At just 17 years old, Rajiv showed his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Club Sway, a nightclub in Kampala. He officially joined the family business in 2014 and became Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group in 2017. Under his leadership, the group handled big projects like Speke Apartments and Kingdom Kampala Mall and employed more than 8,500 people across 30 companies.
Rajiv was also a strong force in education. He helped transform Victoria University, growing its student population from just 143 in 2013 to over 8,700 by 2024. He also managed top schools like Kampala Parents’ School. Through the Ruparelia Foundation, Rajiv supported many in need. He paid for school fees of talented children such as Felister de Superstar and Fresh Kid, built toilets and houses in poor areas, and supported clean water programs.
One of his close friends said that Rajiv gave from the heart, not because he had to. Because of his kindness and personal involvement, people called him “Mr. Philanthropy.” Rajiv also loved motorsports. He started the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and helped revive rally racing in Uganda. Sadly, this passion led to his death when his Nissan GTR crashed and caught fire at the Busabala Flyover.
His death was shocking, and preparations for his cremation took time. Uganda Funeral Services had to make special arrangements, and the extra days gave time for family from India, Canada, and the US to arrive. Meanwhile, many people—from wealthy business leaders to ordinary residents—visited the Ruparelia home in Kololo to mourn and honor him.
Rajiv’s cremation follows his Gujarati Hindu beliefs. In this faith, cremation is seen as a sacred way to free the soul. The Lugogo Hindu Crematorium, managed by the Kampala Capital City Authority, is the main cremation site for Uganda’s Indian community of around 30,000 people. It has hosted several important ceremonies, and Rajiv’s will be accompanied by traditional Hindu prayers and chants. In Uganda, where burial is more common, cremation remains a unique and culturally important practice.
The timing of Tuesday’s ceremony was carefully chosen to respect religious traditions and allow for proper planning. It ensures that Rajiv gets a dignified and respectful farewell.
Rajiv leaves behind his wife Naiya, their three-year-old daughter, his sisters Meera and Sheena, and his parents, Sudhir and Jyotsna. His last post on social media was a picture of his daughter, showing how much he loved being a father. The Ruparelia family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and ended their public message with “Om Shanti,” a prayer for peace.
As Kampala mourns, people reflect on Rajiv’s powerful legacy. Through scholarships, housing projects, and community programs, he touched thousands of lives. His cremation is not just a goodbye, but a celebration of a life that made Uganda dream bigger and give more.
