Ruparelia Foundation Supports Over 40 with Free Prosthetic Limbs in Rajiv Tribute

More than 40 Ugandans who had lost limbs walked away from Mulago National Referral Hospital on Sunday with new prosthetic legs, as the Ruparelia Foundation turned the first anniversary of Rajiv Ruparelia’s death into an act of giving.

The camp, held on May 3, the date on which Rajiv died in a motor crash one year ago, saw 20 beneficiaries fitted with prosthetic limbs on the day. Another 20, including four children, were assessed and will receive their devices within two weeks.

Mrs Jyotsna Ruparelia, wife of businessman and philanthropist Sudhir Ruparelia, said the family chose to mark the anniversary through action rather than mourning.

“Today is not just about remembering him, it is about continuing him,” she told guests. “Every prosthetic given today is someone walking again, living again. Through every life we touch, you are still here. We will not only remember you, we will continue you.”

The Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima, said the camp came at a time when the hospital’s waiting list for prosthetics continues to grow. She said when the hospital first estimated demand, the figure stood at around 200 patients, but more came forward after the announcement was made.

“Many out there don’t even show up because they have no hope,” Dr Byanyima said. “This gesture is not small. You would have stayed home mourning, but you chose to give in his memory.”

She also called for investment in newer prosthetic technology, noting that the hospital’s orthopaedic workshop has been running on old equipment for years. “We hope in the near future to partner with you and with government to improve the technology we use,” she added.

The Chairperson of the Mulago Hospital Board, Prof Philippa Musoke, said the family had shown that loss could be channelled into compassion. “It is easy to be overwhelmed by grief, but the family has chosen to share with those in need. Giving these limbs restores dignity and independence,” she said. “Today could have been a sad day, but it is also joyful because he is giving life to others.”

Representing the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services Dr Charles Olaro said about 5.5 million Ugandans, roughly 13.5 percent of the population, live with some form of disability. He said trauma from road accidents remains one of the leading causes of limb loss in the country and that prevention must go hand in hand with treatment.

“Disability is not inability. With the right support, individuals can still contribute meaningfully to society,” Dr Olaro said.

The day’s most emotional moment came from Arie Ruparelia, Sudhir’s granddaughter and daughter to Sheenah, who paid tribute to her late uncle. “One year ago, we lost our uncle, but today we continue his legacy. He believed in giving people hope, especially those who cannot walk,” she said.

The camp was organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in partnership with the Suman Venkatesh Foundation, and officials said it also served to raise awareness about the availability of assistive devices and the importance of removing the stigma that surrounds disability.