Friends, family, and colleagues gathered for the final farewell of businessman Rajiv Ruparelia at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, on Tuesday afternoon, but it was the voices of his parents—Sudhir and Jyostna Ruparelia—that resonated deepest, their eulogies painting a portrait of a dynamic, generous man whose life, though brief, left a far-reaching legacy.
Rajiv, 35 passed on in an accident at Busabala By-Pass in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“I carry the unimaginable pain of loss,” said his father, business mogul Sudhir Ruparelia, as he addressed mourners, “but also immense pride in having raised Rajiv.” He spoke of Rajiv’s “infectious zest for life,” his “genuine, loyal and honest” spirit, and his unrelenting support for he underprivileged, especially children.
Sudhir reminisced about Rajiv’s early fascination with leadership. “I once bought him a small briefcase when he was five. He was so proud of it, come into meetings to open it proudly, but it was always filled with chocolates and sweets,” he said, drawing soft laughter during the sombre moment. He recalled their fishing trips on Sundays—“some of my fondest memories”—and Rajiv’s passion for rally driving. “I personally asked him to step away for his safety,” Sudhir added, a painful acknowledgement of the risks his son embraced.
“But his impact was far greater than his life,” Sudhir affirmed. “We must continue his work. Thank you, Rajiv, for everything you stood for, you gave me joy, pride, and purpose,” he said.
Rajiv’s mother, Jyostna, expressed heartbreak wrapped in pride. “You have left us so soon,” she began, her voice heavy with emotion. “Rajiv was a son of Sudhir Ruparelia, but in the last three days, I found out that Rajiv created his own identity. We are so proud of you.”
She spoke candidly of their evolving relationship—from mischievous childhood antics, like multiple school suspensions, to Rajiv’s later role as a devoted family man and father. “He was a cheeky little monkey. He would get himself suspended from school to come home early and I would make him fly economy. When it was time to return to school, he would say that he wouldn’t go back if he didn’t fly first-class. I used to look for the next school before he got suspended,” she recalled.
“Son I’m sorry for any moment I could have hurt you, mothers do everything out of love for their children,” she said.
One of her most emotional tributes was to Rajiv’s daughter, Inara. “You did so much for Inara,” she said. “We will build an Inara Tower. Please rest in peace—we are going to look after her.”
As a tribute to Rajiv’s adventurous spirit, she promised to honour his plans. “You planned a motorcycle holiday… I wish I had gone with you. I will go on one,” she said, vowing to ride in his memory.
In a moment that brought together personal loss and public admiration, Jyostna noted, “The government closed some roads for you. We had cars, scooters—your own sister was on a scooter. I wish you were here to see it.”
Museveni mourns the early loss of a sharp business mind
Rajiv’s cremation was attended by a wide circle of mourners, including business leaders, government representatives, and ordinary citizens—many of whom he had supported quietly through charity.
From personal tributes by his rallying fraternity that drove a lap in his honour to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Rajiv was given a fitting send off.
President Museveni, whose message was read by Parliament Speaker Anita Among mourned the early loss of a sharp business mind.
“His death has robbed the country of his economic contribution, now and in the future. I thank him for his social uplifting projects for the youth,” Museveni said.
The service closed with his parents calling on all who loved him to continue Rajiv’s mission—uplifting others through education, opportunity, and compassion.
“Rest in peace, my son,” Sudhir concluded. “You will never be forgotten.”
“Rest in peace, my son,” echoed Jyostna. “Whatever you were doing, we are going to carry on.”
