Rajiv Ruparelia (January 2,1990 – May 3, 2025) was a Ugandan businessman and rally driver .Rajiv was the son of Sudhir Ruparelia and the managing director of Ruparelia Group, one of Uganda’s major family owned business groups.
When was Rajiv Ruparelia born?
Rajiv Ruparelia was born on January 2, 1990 to Jyotsna Ruparelia and Sudhir Ruparelia. He was the only son and youngest growing up with two elder sisters Sheena and Meera in a family that was building its name in Uganda.
Rajiv’s Ethnicity
He was a third generation Ugandan of Indian roots specifically Indian Gujarati heritage so he is a Hindu by faith.
His family has been in Uganda since 1902 but he always described himself as a Ugandan.
Where did Rajiv Ruparelia study from?
Being born in Uganda Rajiv started school at the International school of Uganda (ISU) but since the dad wanted British education he transferred to Kabira International school Uganda one of Ruparelia group schools.
At the age of nine he moved to Britain attending Dragon school in Oxford then later joined Hailebury and graduated from Regents University London with a bachelors in business administration in financial management in 2013.
Growing up in the Ruparelia group .
Rajiv was exposed to the business world at an early age because his father Sudhir Ruparelia used to take him to business operations whenever he took him to construction sites where he observed how workers were managed and building materials handled .
Early involvement in the family business
During school holidays he gained practical experience notably with the expansion of Kampala Parents school among his early projects. He began with basic work managing labourers and materials rather than immediately taking a senior position in the family empire .
At just 17 Rajiv tried entrepreneurship and opened up a night club in Kampala (club Sway) showing willingness to take risks and explore business opportunities.
Turning early exposure into a Career
After graduating Rajiv returned to Uganda in 2014 and formally joined the family business and his responsibilities grew gradually and in 2017 he was appointed the managing director of the Ruparelia group overseeing its diverse business interests .
Rajiv developed from a young man learning basics of construction and management to a leader entrusted with one of Uganda’s prominent family owned business groups.
His Passion for Motorsport
Apart from business Rajiv had a strong passion for motorsports especially rally driving which he joined in 2019
Motorsport and His Passion for Speed after receiving specialised training at Rallystar Academy in South Africa. He competed under his own team, Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team, driving a Volkswagen Polo Proto.
Rajiv quickly made his mark on Uganda’s rally scene, winning the Kayunga and Kapeeka autocross events in 2019. His biggest achievement came in October 2021, when he won the Kabalega Rally in Hoima, beating several experienced drivers and recorded a time of 1:44:56,
Rajivs decision to step away from Motorsport
Despite his success in motorsport, Rajiv Ruparelia eventually took a break from competitive rallying, with his last competitive appearance reported in 2022. His father, Sudhir Ruparelia, had warned him about the dangers of the sport, especially after a fatal rally accident involving Rajiv’s childhood idol, Riyaz Kurji , in 2009 who was his uncle. According to reports, his family had been reluctant to support his rallying ambitions because of safety concerns.
Although Rajiv stepped away from competing, his love for motorsport remained strong and he continued serving as patron of the Central Motor Club, supporting the growth of motorsport in Uganda.
Hobbies beyond motorsport
Rajivs had strong interest in sports so he enjoyed playing Golf and Ruby with experience in football ,tennis ,and squash during his school years in UK
Wife and Kids
In 2017 Rajiv married Naiya Khagram and after five years the couple welcomed their first born child Inara on April 7,2022.
Besides being a successful businessman and motorsport fan Rajiv was a loving husband and father.
Rajivs wife is the current director at Victoria University-Uganda, where she leads business development and overall university leadership .She is also the Member of the Board of Trustees for the Ruparelia Foundation, focusing on wildlife conservation, the environment, and mental health.
Rajiv’s Tragic Death
Rajiv Ruparelia died on May 3, 2025, at the age of 35 in a fatal car accident at the Busabala Flyover in Wakiso District. The police mentioned he was driving his Nissan GT-R from Kajjansi towards Munyonyo when the car struck temporary concrete barriers, overturned and caught fire.
The accident happened in the early hours of the morning, just hours before he was expected to be a groomsman at his close friend’s wedding.
His sudden death left his family, including his father Sudhir Ruparelia, wife Naiya and young daughter, mourning a painful loss.
“Rajiv was cremated on May 6, 2025, at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
