The Ruparelia family has formally announced that Rajiv Ruparelia, the only son of billionaire businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, will be cremated on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:30 pm at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala. The announcement follows Rajiv’s untimely death in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, when his high-performance Nissan GTR crashed into temporary concrete barriers along the Kajjansi–Munyonyo Road, overturned, and burst into flames, killing him instantly. Rajiv, aged 35, was reportedly alone in the vehicle and was en route to join a wedding convoy for his close friend Jonathan Bahizi Buteera, son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera.
A vigil is currently being held at the Ruparelia family residence in Kololo, where mourners from all walks of life-including business leaders, friends, and the general public-are paying their respects until the day of the cremation. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning, stating, “It is with a deep and heavy heart that we announce the passing of our son Rajiv Ruparelia early this morning. The family asks that their privacy be respected during this tough and trying time”.
The accident has triggered an outpouring of grief and questions about road safety and signage at construction sites in Uganda, as many have expressed outrage over the lack of proper warning at the site of the crash. No formal statement has yet been issued by road or works authorities regarding the incident.