Rajiv Ruparelia Dies in Fiery Crash on Kampala Bypass
Kampala, Uganda – May 3, 2025
Uganda is mourning the untimely death of prominent businessman and rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia, who tragically died in a car crash early Saturday morning along the Kampala Southern Bypass highway.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the fatal accident occurred at around 1:54 am when a white Nissan GTR, registration number UAT 638L, crashed, overturned, and burst into flames at the Busabala flyover in Wakiso District.
“The driver, identified as Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia, died on the spot,” Owoyesigyire confirmed. “Investigations are underway.”
Scene of the Crash
Eyewitness videos circulating online showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, reduced to mangled metal by the time emergency responders arrived. Preliminary reports suggest the car hit temporary barriers at a roundabout before flipping and catching fire.
“The driver lost control after colliding with the pavement. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn and ignite instantly,” said Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura.
The 35-year-old businessman had posted a heartwarming photo of his child just 15 hours before the incident—a final memory that has resonated deeply with the public.
A Life Cut Short
Rajiv, son of real estate magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, was the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, a powerhouse conglomerate in real estate, hospitality, education, and finance. Educated at Regent’s University London, he returned to Uganda in 2014 and quickly rose through the business ranks.
By 2017, he was overseeing major projects including Kingdom Kampala, Speke Apartments, and Kampala Boulevard.
Outside of business, Rajiv was an avid rally driver who founded the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and played a significant role in reviving motorsport in Uganda. He was also active in philanthropy through the Ruparelia Foundation, supporting education, health, and environmental causes.
Rajiv is survived by his wife Naiya and their children.
🇺🇬 National Mourning and Road Safety Alarms
His death adds to the growing concern over road safety in Uganda. According to police statistics, road fatalities have surged from 4,534 in 2022 to 5,144 in 2024—an average of 14 deaths per day. High-speed crashes and poor road infrastructure remain leading causes.
Tributes Pour In
Messages of grief and tribute are flooding social media. Close friend Sulaiman Bukenya shared:
“Rest in eternal peace, dear brother Rajiv. May Allah grant you paradise. I am out of words.”
The Ruparelia Group has yet to release an official statement, but the impact of Rajiv’s life—as a visionary businessman, sportsman, and humanitarian—has left an indelible mark on Uganda.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as authorities release official details.
