Gulu City Council has resolved to name one of its major roads after the late businessman and motorsport enthusiast Rajiv Ruparelia, in honour of his outstanding contribution to Uganda’s sports tourism and community development.
The decision was reached during a special council sitting on Saturday, following the successful Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally, which drew thousands of fans to the northern city.
The event — the sixth round of the 2025 National Rally Championship — was organised by the Central Motor Club (CMC) in Rajiv’s memory after his tragic passing in May this year.
According to Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga, the proposed Rajiv Ruparelia Road will be located near Pece Stadium, an area that hosted part of the rally circuit. He said the gesture symbolises the city’s appreciation for the Ruparelia Foundation’s continued investment in youth empowerment, sports, and social transformation across Uganda.
“Rajiv believed in building communities through sport, and his energy brought life to our city,” Okwonga said. “Naming this road after him is our way of ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire northern Uganda.”
Business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia, father of the late Rajiv, welcomed the council’s move as a heartfelt tribute that will preserve his son’s legacy for generations.
“We are incredibly touched and grateful to Gulu City Council for this lasting honour,” Sudhir said. “Naming a road after Rajiv is a beautiful gesture that keeps his spirit alive in the community he loved.”
During the rally weekend, organisers also launched a community outreach project in Gulu, which included drilling a borehole and planting trees in memory of Rajiv’s commitment to environmental and social causes.
The council’s resolution will now be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for formal approval. Once endorsed, Gulu City will officially unveil the road signage for Rajiv Ruparelia Road.
The two-day rally concluded with IUEA’s Hassan Alwi taking first place, followed by Ronald Ssebuguzi and Aine Godfrey Kaguta (Sodo) in second and third respectively. Covering a total of 260.88 kilometres, the event featured challenging stages such as Noblakes and Wobbly, as well as a Super Special Stage dedicated to Rajiv Ruparelia.
