Hope Restored: Ruparelia Foundation Gives Amputees New Limbs in Rajiv Tribute

By Frank Kamuntu

More than 40 amputees have received life-changing prosthetic limbs at Mulago National Referral Hospital, as the Ruparelia Foundation marked one year since the passing of Rajiv Ruparelia with a powerful act of compassion that turned grief into lasting impact.

The emotional outreach, held on Sunday, May 3—the day Rajiv lost his life in a tragic motor crash—saw 20 beneficiaries fitted with prosthetic limbs on-site, while another 20, including four children, were assessed and are set to receive theirs within two weeks. The initiative is restoring mobility, dignity, and renewed hope to individuals who had long lived without both.

Speaking at the event, Jyotsna Ruparelia, wife to businessman and philanthropist Sudhir Ruparelia, described the outreach as a continuation of Rajiv’s generous spirit.

“Today is not just about remembering him, it is about continuing him… Every prosthetic given today is someone walking again, living again,” she said.

“Through every life we touch, you are still here. We will not only remember you, we will continue you,” she added, capturing the essence of a day where remembrance was defined by action rather than words.

Leaders at Mulago Hospital hailed the initiative as both timely and transformative, pointing to the growing demand for prosthetic services across the country.

Executive Director Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima revealed that the hospital is grappling with a significant backlog.

“We had about 200 patients waiting, and even more came forward after the announcement. Many out there don’t even show up because they have no hope,” she said. “This gesture is not small… you would have stayed home mourning, but you chose to give in his memory.”

Dr. Byanyima also highlighted the urgent need for investment in modern prosthetic technology, noting that the hospital’s current equipment is outdated and limits service delivery.

Chairperson of the Mulago Hospital Board, Philippa Musoke, commended the Ruparelia family for transforming personal loss into compassion-driven action.

“It is easy to be overwhelmed by loss, but the family has chosen to share with those in need. Giving these limbs restores dignity and independence,” she said, adding that while the need remains vast, such efforts mark critical progress.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services Charles Olaro noted that approximately 5.5 million Ugandans—about 13.5 percent of the population—live with some form of disability.

“Many of these individuals require assistive devices. What we are witnessing today is part of a broader effort to address mobility challenges and improve quality of life,” he said, adding that trauma from road accidents remains a leading cause of limb loss.

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

For beneficiaries, the impact was immediate and deeply personal, with each prosthetic limb symbolising independence regained and a second chance at life.

The emotional highlight of the day came from young Arie Ruparelia, granddaughter to Sudhir, whose tribute captured the deeper meaning behind the initiative.

“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, moving many in attendance.

The outreach forms part of a broader remembrance programme that has seen the Ruparelia family transform personal loss into public good—ensuring that Rajiv’s legacy lives on not in silence, but in meaningful action.

The camp was sponsored by the Ruparelia Foundation in partnership with the Suman Venkatesh Foundation, honouring an Indian national remembered for her charitable work in Uganda. Beyond the direct beneficiaries, organisers say the initiative also helped raise awareness about access to assistive devices and the need to eliminate stigma surrounding disability.

In a country where thousands still lack access to such essential support, the initiative stands as a powerful reminder that true tribute lies not only in remembrance—but in transforming lives.