Speaker Among faults Ministry of Works, cites negligence in Rajiv Ruparelia's death
The body of the late Rajiv Ruparelia is escorted by friends, family, and members of the Indian community in Uganda to the cremation ceremony at the Hindu Cremation Centre in Lugogo, Kampala on May 6, 2025. PHOTO/GEOFREY MUTUMBA
What you need to know:
- Rajiv was the only son of Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda's wealthiest individuals, and served as the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group.
The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, has criticised the Ministry of Works and Transport for gross negligence in managing road infrastructure, which she says is contributing to the rising number of fatal accidents across the country.
Her remarks came in the wake of the tragic death of businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a road accident on the Kajjansi-Munyonyo expressway.
“We have noted with a lot of concern what is happening on our roads. Recently, we have experienced a surge in accidents, the worst being the recent death of a young and prominent businessman, Rajiv, ” Ms Among said.
She pointed out that some contractors place concrete blocks or barriers on roads without any warning signs, endangering motorists, noting that these obstacles are reportedly put up and removed at will, with no proper regulation or supervision from the ministry. The Speaker further faulted the decision to rationalise the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which was intended to improve efficiency in road works.
“We thought rationalising UNRA would lead to better service delivery, but it seems things have only deteriorated. Just look at the roads to Mityana and Karuma, or even within Kampala. There are potholes so large that they could swallow an entire car,” she said.
Ms Among criticised the ministry for failing to put to use funds that were allocated for roadworks.
“Parliament had earlier approved a reallocation of funds under RAPEX programme to address pending works. This money had already been sent to the ministry of works, yet there was no visible progress or explanation,” She said.
“There is a claim that money has not been released, yet on April 17, this House passed a resolution to reallocate budget funds from RAPEX to road works. That money was indeed sent to the ministry. So why has it not been used?” she questioned. The Speaker demanded that the ministry of works present a detailed report to Parliament explaining the current status of road works, particularly in Kampala and surrounding areas. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ms Susan Kataike, said although funds were released to the Ministry following the merger with UNRA, accessing the money took time due to procedural requirements such as changing signatories and updating account details.
Ms Kataike said the funds were received two weeks ago, and payments to contractors some of whom had abandoned ongoing works have now commenced. However, she said more funds are still needed to fully support the resumption of all stalled projects.
Ms Among also asked for an update on the circumstances that led to Rajiv’s death on the expressway and what measures are being taken to hold contractors accountable.
“This House deserves answers. We need a full report from the ministry of works detailing what exactly is happening with our roads, especially around Kampala, and how they are supervising contractors. We cannot continue losing lives every day when there is an entire ministry responsible for these roads,” she said. On May 3, Ugandan businessman Rajiv Ruparelia tragically died in a car accident at the age of 35. The incident occurred at the Busabala Flyover in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, where Rajiv was driving his high-performance Nissan GTR. Reports indicate that he lost control of the vehicle, which overturned, leading to his untimely death.
Combo: The wreckage of the car (R) in which businessman Rajiv Ruparelia (L) died at the Busabala Flyover traffic lights in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. Photos/Courtesy
Rajiv was the only son of Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda's wealthiest individuals, and served as the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, a major conglomerate in East Africa. His death has sparked public outcry over road safety in Uganda, particularly concerning the Kampala Northern Bypass, where the accident took place. Critics have pointed to issues such as poor road maintenance, lack of proper signage, and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations as contributing factors to the increasing number of accidents on this highway. In response to the incident, the Speaker of Parliament has called for a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Works and Transport to address these concerns and implement measures to improve road safety nationwide.
