Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia (second left) leads in carrying the casket containing the body of his son Rajiv Ruparelia ahead of cremation at the Hindu Crematorium at Lugogo, Kampala, on May 6, 2025. Sudhir and wife Jyotsna Ruparelia said they would miss the precious times they shared with their son. PHOTO/GEOFREY MUTUMBA
The cremated remains of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, son of city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, were laid to rest in the waters of Lake Victoria, Uganda’s largest freshwater lake, on Tuesday. The rites were conducted seven days after the deceased was cremated at the Hindu crematorium in Lugogo, Kampala, on May 6.
During the ceremony, four white boats, one carrying Rajiv’s family members, including his father Sudhir Ruparelia, mother Jyotsna, and sisters Sheena and Meera, were seen sailing towards the middle of the lake.
Family members held baskets and paper bags containing the ashes, which they then immersed in the lake. Speaking to Monitor after the event, Sudhir said the lake was a fitting place for his son’s remains.
"We are three Ruparelias born in Uganda. It is only natural that we place Rajiv’s remains in Lake Victoria," he said.
A source told Monitor that ashes are immersed in running water to symbolise a new cycle of life. “Fire and water are significant rituals in the Hindu religion. After the body is cremated, some ashes are immersed in water to symbolise new life,” he said.
Rajiv, 35, died in a tragic road accident on the Kajansi-Munyonyo Expressway after his vehicle crashed into barricades at the Busabala flyover in Wakiso District and burst in flames.
Museveni’s condolence
In a condolence message read by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among during the cremation ceremony at the Hindu Crematorium in Kololo, President Museveni said Rajiv’s death was a loss to Uganda’s social and economic development.
"Since his passing, I have listened to and read tributes in which many have eulogised him as a businessman and friend to many. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family upon the loss of their son," he said.
President Museveni also commended Sudhir Ruparelia for being among the few Ugandans who took advantage of the economic opportunities created by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after 1986.
He added: "When the NRM took power, we welcomed back our Asian brothers and sisters to invest in Uganda. I commend the Ruparelia family for utilising the prevailing peace, security, infrastructure, and favourable policies to establish a business empire that has created jobs and income for Ugandans."
Business roots
Sudhir Ruparelia is the founder of the Ruparelia Group, a conglomerate with interests in education, health, hospitality, and construction. Rajiv had been managing several of the family businesses until his death. He is survived by his wife, Naiya Ruparelia, and their daughter, Inara.
Jyotsna Ruparelia, Rajiv’s mother, said the family plans to construct a shopping mall named after Inara in memory of her father.
