Rajiv Ruparelia’s fascination with fast cars was well known. From a young age, he was captivated by the sleek designs and roaring engines of sports cars, a passion that ultimately led him to the high-octane world of rally racing.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, tragedy struck when Rajiv, behind the wheel of his white Nissan GTR—a car renowned for its speed and power—was involved in an accident around 1:30 a.m. that claimed his life.

According to police reports, the vehicle collided with temporary pavements at the flyover’s roundabout, causing it to overturn and burst into flames, pronouncing him dead at the scene.

The tragedy seems like a cruel twist of fate for a man whose life was so deeply defined by his passion for high-speed cars

In 2019, he made his debut in Uganda’s motorsport scene, quickly becoming a standout figure. Behind the wheel of his Volkswagen Polo Proto, Rajiv competed in events like the Equator Rally Kenya and the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, often leaving seasoned drivers in his dust with his exceptional pace.

His victories were numerous, and by 2022, he had cemented his reputation as a formidable talent, earning the role of patron for the Central Motorsport Club (CMC).

“Rajiv wasn’t just a driver; he was a force on the rally circuit,” said Enock Olinga, his longtime co-driver.

“He loved the thrill of the race, the sound of the engine, the challenge of the terrain. But he was also meticulous, he knew his cars inside out and always prioritized safety. That’s what makes this accident so heartbreaking.” said Olinga

Social media posts have highlighted that this location has been the site of numerous close calls, with many individuals narrowly escaping fatal accidents. Those who survived have directed their anger at the Ministry of Works, accusing them of shoddy workmanship and careless handling of the area.

Critics have pointed to dangerous pavement placements, abrupt road closures, and openings in this spot, with some even holding the Ministry responsible for Rajiv’s tragic death

Rajiv’s passion for speed extended beyond the rally track. His Nissan GTR, equipped with a 565-horsepower engine and all-wheel-drive precision, perfectly mirrored his bold, ambitious, and un-apologetically fast personality.

Friends recall how he would often take his prized cars for late-night drives along Kampala’s highways, the hum of the engine a kind of therapy for a man who carried the weight of a business empire on his shoulders.

“Rajiv loved his cars, yes, but he also loved sitting by Lake Victoria with a cup of tea, just watching the water,” said Francis Nkurunungi, a friend and co-founder of the Ugandan startup Xente.

Rajiv Ruparelia leaves behind a legacy that spans both business and motorsport. As managing director of the Ruparelia Group, he played a key role in expanding the family empire, overseeing projects that created jobs and bolstered Uganda’s economic landscape.

As investigations into the crash continue, questions linger about what could have been done to prevent this tragedy. For now, a nation mourns a man whose love for fast cars and rally racing brought him joy and ultimately took him away.

Rajiv is survived by his parents, Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, wife and his daughter. May his soul rest in peace.