Victoria University remains optimistic after the loss of Rajiv Ruparelia

4 May 2025, 7:41 pm

By Ronald Semagonja

The business community and the country at large will not forget the death of Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away at the age of 35, due to his significant contributions to various sectors that have provided employment for many. One such sector is education, where he played a pivotal role as the director of Victoria University Kampala. In light of this, Victoria University has joined the rest of the country in mourning Rajiv’s passing.

“At times, we are lost for words. At times, we cannot find the right ones, and sometimes, the pain is simply too much to bear. We are in deep sorrow, but all is not lost. If we walk the path you showed us, if we honour your vision and the brilliance you brought to building this institution,” the statement reads.

The late Rajiv will be cremated on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, at the Hindu Crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala.

The university management continues to highlight and celebrate the astute marketing strategies and unwavering support Rajiv provided. They remember how the late Rajiv dedicated his heart and resources to building the university into a leading institution in the country. “You were a remarkable leader, Director Rajiv, and your legacy still reigns,” the statement concluded.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, expressed her condolences through her X handle, stating that the country had lost someone who made significant contributions. “I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mr. Sudhir Ruparelia, his family, and the staff and management of the Ruparelia Group. His untimely death has deprived our country of a young and enterprising mind who made significant contributions to our economy and the employment sector,” she said.

Additionally, the President of the National Unity Platform, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, described Rajiv as a generous person. “I am extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia. He was a humble, kind, and generous young man. My heartfelt condolences to the Ugandan business community and to everyone whose life Rajiv touched,” he said.

In a similar vein, the Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed his shock at the loss of a young life in such a manner and empathised with the family. Other dignitaries who extended their sympathies to the family included Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who said that Rajiv loved Uganda with all his heart. Property developer Hamis Kiggundu described the news as a shock, while Kampala Central Resident City Commissioner Nsubuga Shafiq Ali urged Ugandans to be cautious with speed, adding that Uganda had lost a powerful businessman. Moses Mayanja, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Busiro, assured Ugandans that there is hope for the government to rehabilitate many of the country’s roads.

Rajiv, the son of Sudhir and Jyostna Ruparelia, tragically died in a motor vehicle accident in Busabala, Kampala.