A Father’s Tribute: Sudhir Ruparelia Marks Rajiv’s Heavenly Birthday

By Frank Kamuntu

Kampala: City tycoon and businessman Sudhir Ruparelia on Thursday commemorated the birthday of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, marking what he described as Rajiv’s “first heavenly birthday” since his tragic death last year.

Rajiv, who was born on January 2, was remembered by family, friends, and members of the business community as a kind-hearted, generous, and compassionate individual whose life was cut short far too soon.

In a moving tribute shared on Thursday, Sudhir reflected on the profound void left by his son’s passing, inviting friends and loved ones to remember Rajiv in prayer and to wish him eternal peace. The message captured the enduring bond between father and son and the quiet pain of marking a birthday in the absence of a loved one.

Images accompanying the tribute showed Rajiv in reflective moments, alongside a heartfelt message expressing how cherished memories, while comforting, can never replace the physical presence of someone deeply loved.

Rajiv Ruparelia died on May 3, 2025, in a fatal road accident at the Busabala Flyover along the Munyonyo–Entebbe Expressway. He was reportedly driving a high-performance sports car when it crashed and caught fire, resulting in his instant death.

The tragic incident sent shockwaves across the country, drawing condolences from political leaders, business figures, and ordinary Ugandans who had come to admire Rajiv both as a businessman and a humanitarian.

Beyond his family name and business pedigree, Rajiv was widely known for his humility, warmth, and quiet philanthropy. Those who worked closely with him often described him as approachable and deeply empathetic, particularly toward the needy and vulnerable.

He was actively involved in several charitable initiatives and was regarded as a torchbearer of a new generation of socially conscious business leaders. Many remember him not for flamboyance, but for his soft heart and genuine willingness to help whenever the need arose.

As the Ruparelia family marks this painful milestone, tributes continue to pour in, affirming that while Rajiv Ruparelia’s life was brief, his impact remains enduring.

May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace.