The Ruparelia family has donated Shs50 million to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and adopted a baby chimpanzee named RR in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, the businessman son of tycoon Dr Sudhir Ruparelia who died in a road accident last year.
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, accompanied by his wife Jyotsna and other family members, visited the sanctuary on Saturday in a ceremony that doubled as a tribute to Rajiv, who had developed a close bond with the island and its conservation work.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sudhir said the occasion was both emotional and meaningful for the family. “Today, as we name this chimpanzee in honour of Rajiv, we are reminded of a young man who loved animals, nature, and wildlife,” he said, adding that Rajiv strongly believed those blessed with opportunity had a responsibility to protect the vulnerable — whether people, communities, or wildlife.
Dr Sudhir noted that the Ruparelia Foundation, which he co-founded with Jyotsna in 2012, has long supported conservation as part of its broader philosophy of “Enriching Lives Together.” The family had previously adopted another chimpanzee at the sanctuary named Rupa — short for Ruparelia.
Ngamba Island Executive Director Dr Joshua Rukundo said the Ruparelia family’s relationship with the sanctuary predates its official opening, stretching back to 1997 — two years before operations began in 1999. “Rajiv was a friend. Sudhir has been visiting us regularly, and Rajiv had also started visiting and bringing friends,” Dr Rukundo said. “RR is going to help us remember him and the love he had for conservation and wildlife.”
Board Chairman Dr James Musinguzi described Dr Sudhir as one of the founding figures of the sanctuary’s journey. “We are saddened by what happened to Rajiv, but when people have done good things, they are remembered. Some do monuments — but RR’s name will go all over the world through this chimpanzee,” he said, noting that sanctuary chimpanzees can live up to 60 years.
In his remarks, Dr Sudhir also referenced a previous moment of personal significance — when a young rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was named Rae Ruparelia after Rajiv’s daughter. He described such gestures as statements of love, continuity, and hope, reflecting the family’s conviction that the next generation must inherit a Uganda where wildlife is protected and allowed to thrive.
The Ruparelia Foundation pledged to continue supporting Ngamba Island, with Dr Sudhir thanking the sanctuary’s caretakers, veterinarians, staff, donors, and government partners for their years of dedication.
