On May 3, 2025, Uganda lost one of its most dynamic young business leaders, Rajiv Ruparelia, in a tragic car accident at just 35 years old. Rajiv, the only son of Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, was not only the heir to Uganda’s most prominent business dynasty but also a visionary in his own right, especially in the field of education.
Transforming Victoria University
When Sudhir Ruparelia acquired Victoria University in 2013, it was a struggling institution with less than 200 students and a significant financial drain on the family’s empire. In 2019, Rajiv was tasked with turning the university around. He approached this challenge with characteristic energy, creativity, and a willingness to defy convention. Rajiv’s leadership style was inclusive and forward-thinking-he assembled a diverse council and sought out fresh talent, notably recruiting Dr. Lawrence Muganga from Canada as Vice Chancellor.
Rajiv’s bold decision to reposition Victoria University as an institution for all Ugandans, not just the elite, was initially controversial. He embraced unconventional brand ambassadors and marketing tactics, which some traditionalists doubted. But the results spoke for themselves: within a year, enrollment soared from under 200 to over 3,000, and by 2025, the university boasted more than 10,000 students. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria University thrived, becoming financially self-sustaining and a beacon of innovation in Ugandan higher education.
Enduring Impact
Rajiv’s legacy at Victoria University is not just in numbers but in the lives transformed and opportunities created for thousands of Ugandan youth. His vision, risk-taking, and relentless drive have ensured that the university will continue to serve as a pillar of academic excellence and social mobility for generations.