Uganda is mourning the shocking death of prominent businessman and rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a fiery crash on the Kampala Southern Bypass early Saturday morning when his high-powered Nissan GTR collided with road barriers and exploded in flames at the Busabala Flyover.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:54 AM, with emergency services arriving minutes later only to find the vehicle engulfed in flames and Rajiv already deceased. Eyewitnesses say the sports car was traveling at extremely high speed when it approached the roundabout, failed to negotiate the turn, and struck the temporary pavement barriers that had been erected due to ongoing roadworks.
Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed the fatality and noted that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash, including road signage adequacy, surface quality, and lighting at the accident scene.“It is a tragic reminder that high-speed vehicles must be handled with extreme caution, especially in areas undergoing construction,” Kananura added.
Rajiv was a rising pillar in Uganda’s business and sports circles. As the son of tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, he had carved out his own legacy leading key property developments under the Ruparelia Group and spearheading Uganda’s motorsport revival through his rally team.
In 2020, Rajiv made headlines after winning the National Rally Championship candidate event in Jinja, showcasing not just a love for adrenaline but a deep commitment to growing Uganda’s local rallying scene. His enthusiasm turned into investments mentoring young drivers, supporting rally events, and drawing in sponsorships.
He was also known for his accessibility and modern management style, often engaging youth entrepreneurs and promoting job creation through his corporate platforms. His death leaves a vacuum in both business leadership and Uganda’s motorsport future.
Rajiv’s crash has intensified scrutiny on Uganda’s urban road infrastructure. The Busabala Flyover—where the fatal collision occurred has been flagged by motorists in recent months for poor signage, abrupt lane shifts, and unclear construction demarcations.
Traffic experts argue that Uganda’s growing fleet of high-performance cars is outpacing the design and safety standards of its roads. Without enforcement of strict limits, driving behavior on highways—especially at night—remains a serious public concern.
“What we see here is a lethal mix: powerful vehicles, underdeveloped road infrastructure, and lack of nighttime regulation,” said a transport policy analyst. “Unfortunately, Rajiv’s death may be the wake-up call we needed.”
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2024, road traffic accidents claimed over 5,000 lives, with speed and reckless driving cited as major contributors.
Public reactions have poured in, with tributes from government officials, fellow entrepreneurs, sports personalities, and the general public. Many have remembered Rajiv as a visionary with a calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and generous spirit.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be released in the coming days by the family.
