The Ugandan business community is in mourning today following the shocking death of Rajiv Ruparelia, the dynamic Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group and son of billionaire tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. Mr. Ruparelia, aged 35, died instantly in the early hours of Saturday morning when his high-performance sports car crashed and burst into flames at the Busabala Flyover in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
Police confirmed the tragic incident, providing details of the fatal crash. Traffic police spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, stated that Mr. Ruparelia was driving a Nissan GTR, registration number UAT 638L, travelling from the Kajjansi direction towards Munyonyo.
“The motor vehicle hit temporary pavements installed at the roundabout section of the flyover,” SP Kananura explained. “The driver subsequently lost control, and the vehicle overturned before catching fire.”
Images from the scene showed police firefighters extinguishing the blaze engulfing the wrecked vehicle. SP Kananura added, “The crash resulted in the instant death of the driver, Mr Rajiv Ruparelia. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined; however, investigations are underway, and we will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.”
Born in Uganda on January 2nd, 1990, Rajiv Ruparelia was the only son of Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Jyotsna Ruparelia, and the younger brother to Sheena and Meera Ruparelia. Destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, one of East Africa’s most prominent business figures, Rajiv was already a significant force in the nation’s economy.
He received a diverse education, starting at the International School of Uganda and Kabira International School (a Ruparelia Group venture) before moving to the UK. There, he attended the prestigious Dragon School in Oxford and later Haileybury. He recounted being suspended from Haileybury after defending Ugandan and Black students against racist remarks, citing his father’s advice “never to start a fight, but also make sure I finish a fight when it comes my way.” He graduated from Regents College London in 2013 with a degree in Financial Management.
Despite admitting struggles with dyslexia, Rajiv demonstrated sharp business acumen from a young age, reportedly starting his first venture – investing in a nightclub – at just 17 while still at school. He formally joined the family business, the Ruparelia Group, in 2014. His journey within the conglomerate began hands-on, managing labourers and materials on construction sites, including the Kampala Parents School expansion and the CMI headquarters project.
He rapidly progressed, becoming involved in the design, planning, feasibility studies, and implementation of major developments across the Group’s diverse portfolio, which spans real estate, hospitality, finance, education, media, floriculture, and agriculture. In 2017, he was appointed Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, overseeing its vast operations, reported to encompass over 28 different businesses and more than 300 properties.
Under his leadership, the Group continued its expansion, with high-profile projects like the Kingdom Mall and Speke Apartments adding to its portfolio. Rajiv was recently recognised for his achievements, being named a Choiseul 100 Africa 2024 laureate, highlighting him as one of the continent’s most promising young economic leaders under 40. He was known for his belief in robust systems and talented teams as drivers of success.
Beyond the boardroom, Rajiv was a passionate advocate for sports through the Ruparelia Foundation, supporting golf, rugby, and notably, motorsports. A keen rally driver himself, he achieved success on the national circuit, winning the Kabalega Rally in 2019. His love for high-speed driving adds a poignant layer to the circumstances of his death.
He was also involved in philanthropy, with the Ruparelia Foundation providing scholarships to young talents like rappers Fresh Kid and Felista Da Superstar. His future plans included venturing into medical cannabis cultivation and expanding the Group’s interests.
Rajiv married Naiya Khagram Ruparelia in 2018, whom he met during a revision camp in London. The couple has one child together.
While Rajiv Ruparelia’s precise personal net worth is not publicly documented, his position as Managing Director and sole male heir to the Ruparelia Group placed him at the helm of one of East Africa’s largest conglomerates. The Ruparelia Group’s overall net worth is estimated by public sources to exceed $1.1 billion (USD). As the driving force behind the Group’s recent strategy and operations, and with significant control over its extensive assets in real estate, hospitality, education, and finance, Rajiv Ruparelia wielded considerable financial influence. His potential inherited wealth, combined with his active management role, firmly positioned him among Uganda’s wealthiest individuals of his generation. His untimely death represents a significant loss to the vast business empire built by his father.
