Rally Drivers Lead 80-Car Convoy in Emotional Tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia

More than 80 vehicles moved through the streets of Kampala on Sunday in a procession that brought together remembrance, celebration, and community service to mark one year since the death of businessman and rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia.

The day’s events, held under the theme “Remembering RR,” drew family members, rally drivers, business leaders, and members of the public. The programme combined two main activities. In the morning, a prosthetic limb donation camp was held at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Later in the day, a memorial drive passed through the city and ended at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where a candlelight vigil took place.

Rajiv, who was 35, was the only son of Sudhir Ruparelia and served as Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group. He died in the early hours of May 3, 2025, after his Nissan GT-R lost control at the Busabala flyover along the Kampala Entebbe Expressway. The car hit temporary barriers, overturned, and caught fire.

The day began at Mulago’s Orthopaedics Department, where the Ruparelia Foundation donated 41 prosthetic limbs to patients who could not afford them. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, received the donation on behalf of the government. He noted that Uganda records more than 15,000 new amputee cases each year, highlighting the importance of private support in addressing the need.

One of the beneficiaries, John Kintu, tried his new limb at the hospital and expressed relief. He said he could now move on his own.

In the afternoon, the memorial drive began at RR Pearl Tower One on Yusuf Lule Road, a building constructed in Rajiv’s memory. Organised by TT Drags and Drifts Uganda under the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda, the convoy moved through Jinja Road, Entebbe Road, and Nsambya. Participants stopped at the Busabala roundabout, where they laid flowers at the site of the crash, before continuing to Munyonyo.

Charles Kakaire, president of the Street Racers Club Uganda, said several well-known rally drivers took part. He thanked the family for giving them the chance to celebrate the life of someone they considered a brother.

Stuart Kimera, who chaired the organising committee, said Rajiv’s influence extended beyond racing. He said Rajiv touched lives not only in motorsport but also through his humanitarian work, and that it was important to honour that impact.

At Speke Resort Munyonyo Marina, where Rajiv once served as a director, the mood shifted to quiet reflection. Candles were lit in the evening as family, friends, and supporters gathered for the vigil. Sudhir Ruparelia led rally drivers into the marina gardens for the closing ceremony.

Among those present was Kibaaju Charity Kamuhanda, who described Rajiv as a humanitarian and said his death was a significant loss to the country. She said his legacy would continue.

In a message released to mark the anniversary, Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia reflected on the past year. They spoke about living with loss while holding on to the memories and love they shared with their son. They also thanked Ugandans for the support they have received, saying it had given them strength during a difficult time.

Rajiv had been active in Ugandan motorsport since 2019, taking part in events such as the Kayunga Autocross, Kalangala Rally, Mbarara Rally, and the Kabalega Rally. He founded the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team and served as patron of the Central Motorsport Club, where he helped bridge the gap between top-level racing and grassroots enthusiasts.

Sunday’s tribute was part of a wider period of remembrance. In October 2025, the National Rally Championship dedicated a round in Gulu to his memory. The Ruparelia Foundation has also carried out initiatives such as an eye care camp in Bukedea, continuing work in his name.

The Ruparelia Group, which Rajiv was expected to lead in the future, operates across banking, insurance, education, real estate, hospitality, and floriculture, and is considered one of East Africa’s largest business empires.