Rally Driver And Business Tycoon Rajiv Ruperelia Dies In Tragic Accident
By Mwambazi Lawrence
There are mornings that break the soul and today is one of them.
The motorsport community, the business world, and the entire nation of Uganda awoke to the gut-wrenching news that Rajiv Ruparelia, beloved rally driver and heir to the Ruparelia Group empire, is no more. He died in the early hours of this morning in a horrific road crash that has left the country numb with grief.
At 1:54 am, the roar of a white Nissan GTR (UAT 638L) was silenced forever at the Busabala flyover, where the high-powered machine crashed, overturned, and burst into flames. Rajiv, the man behind the wheel, died on the spot. The confirmation came from Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, in a statement that felt like a dagger through the heart of every Ugandan
“We have been informed that the driver was Rajiv Ruparelia, son of businessman Sudhir Ruparelia. He died at the scene. Investigations are ongoing,” the police confirmed in a solemn statement.
And just like that, a light went out.
Rajiv was not just a name he was a presence. The only son of business mogul Sudhir Ruparelia, he was born into privilege, but he never wore it like a crown. Instead, he chose the dirt roads, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of rally cars kicking up clouds of dust across Uganda’s vast terrain.
In 2019, Rajiv made a statement that would forever change the face of Ugandan motorsport — importing the very first Volkswagen Proto into the country. With Enock Olinga by his side as co-driver, the RR Rally Team was born. From the very first race, it was clear: Rajiv wasn’t here to play. He drove with a fire that couldn’t be taught only felt.
They say the CRC (Clubman Rally Championship) is for beginners. Rajiv made it look like a professional battlefield. He would often lead the overall rally standings even when the rules only allowed him to do 60% of the route. Fans began to whisper in awe “This one is different. This one is destined for greatness.”
And greatness followed him.
Even after his last competitive rally in 2022 at the Kaliro Sugar Rally, his absence was never permanent. There were whispers that Rajiv was preparing for a return that we would soon hear the familiar growl of his engine and see the flash of that iconic car streak across the finish line again.
But fate, cruel and unforgiving, had other plans.
Rajiv was more than a driver. He was a son, a husband, a friend, a visionary. In business, he was following in his father’s footsteps but with his own unique stride. In rallying, he was carving his own legacy, one race at a time. And in life, he was a soul full of laughter, courage, and compassion.
He had time for everyone. He shook hands with fans. He listened to the youth. He inspired many. And now… he is gone.
As the rally flags fly at half-mast and engines across the country fall silent in his memory, we are left to ask the questions that have no answers. Why him? Why now?
To Sudhir Ruparelia and the entire Ruparelia family, your pain is Uganda’s pain. Today, we grieve not just the death of a son, but the death of a dreamer. A racer. A trailblazer.
Rajiv, your story was still being written. You had so many laps left to go. But now your journey takes a different path — one we cannot follow.
May the roads of heaven rise to meet you. May the stars be your guiding lights. And may you rest in peace, knowing you were deeply loved and will never, ever be forgotten.
Farewell, Rajiv. Uganda will never be the same without you.
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