It was tears as the late Rajiv Ruparelia, a prominent Ugandan businessman and managing director of the Ruparelia Group of Companies, was cremated on Tuesday at the Hindu Crematorium Grounds in Lugogo.
He passed away on Saturday, May 3, at the age of 35, following a tragic motor accident along the Busaabala highway.
Born on January 2, Rajiv was the only son of city tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia. His final send-off was attended by a large crowd of mourners, including dignitaries from government, business, entertainment, and academia.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among led a delegation of high-profile government officials who paid their respects.
The body, handled by Uganda Funeral Services, was transported from his father’s residence in Kololo to Lugogo.
Along the route, mourners lined the roads, waving and shouting heartfelt messages of “Rest in peace, Rajiv.” Many were visibly emotional, weeping as the funeral procession passed.
In honor of Rajiv’s favorite color, mourners dressed in all white a color he was often seen wearing in life.
In a deeply emotional moment, his father, Dr. Sudhir, sat in the same vehicle carrying the body of his son. Upon arrival at the crematorium, he personally carried the casket, an act that moved many to tears.
Rajiv’s passion for motorsport was also reflected in the farewell ceremony, as friends escorted the hearse in his favorite sports and racing cars.
The ceremony offered a glimpse into Indian cultural and religious traditions, with mourners witnessing the cremation rites rarely seen by the general Ugandan public.
Rajiv Ruparelia is survived by his young daughter. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership and entrepreneurship in Uganda’s business landscape.
