By Andrew Irumba
Gulu City, Uganda – The thunder of engines may have faded from the Pece War Memorial Stadium circuit, but the spirit of Rajiv Ruparelia continues to roar across Uganda’s motorsport and philanthropic landscape. Days after the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025 lit up northern Uganda, Gulu City Council has moved to immortalize the late rally ace and businessman by naming a major road in his honour.
The decision was reached during a special council sitting convened after the two-day memorial rally, which drew thousands of fans from across the country. The event, organized by the Central Motor Club (CMC), was not just a competition—it was a celebration of the life and dreams of a young man whose passion for speed, innovation, and community upliftment left an indelible mark on Uganda’s sporting history.
Rajiv tragically lost his life on May 3, 2025, in a devastating car crash along the Entebbe Expressway near the Busabala flyover junction, as he headed to Speke Resort Munyonyo late that night to sleep in order to prepare himself for the wedding of his close friend, Buteera, which was being hosted at the same hotel the following morning. Rajiv had traveled from London purposely for the wedding of his friend, that how he valued friendships. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the motorsport fraternity and the business world, robbing the nation of one of its most vibrant and visionary sons.
According to Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga, the proposed “Rajiv Ruparelia Road” will be established near Pece Stadium, which hosted key stages of the memorial rally. The initiative, he said, is a token of appreciation for Rajiv’s remarkable contributions to Uganda’s social and economic transformation through sport and philanthropy.
“Rajiv believed in building communities through sport, and his energy brought life to our city. Naming this road after him is a symbol of how his legacy continues to inspire northern Uganda,” Mayor Okwonga noted.
Rajiv’s parents, Dr. Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia, personally graced the memorial rally, joining fans and drivers in celebrating their son’s memory. Deeply moved by Gulu’s gesture, the city’s resolution brought visible emotion to the family.
“Incredibly touched and grateful to the Gulu City Council for this lasting honor. Naming a road after our dear brother, Rajiv Ruparelia, is a beautiful tribute that ensures his memory lives on in the community. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” Dr. Sudhir said in a heartfelt message.
Beyond the racing excitement, the organizers also initiated community-driven activities to extend Rajiv’s legacy of compassion — drilling a borehole to provide clean water and planting trees across Gulu as a symbol of renewal and growth, virtues that defined Rajiv’s life philosophy.
The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally, which doubled as the sixth round of the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC), covered 260.88 kilometers with stages like Noblakes, Wobbly, and the Super Special Stage christened in Rajiv’s name.
In the fiercely contested Wobbly Stage 2, Hassan Alwi and Musa Nsubuga (Ford) clinched victory with a time of 13:34:5, followed by Duncan Mubiru and Joseph Kamya (Ford), while Ronald Ssebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa (Ford) finished third.
The council’s resolution to name a road after Rajiv will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for ratification, after which the Rajiv Ruparelia Road signage will be officially unveiled in Gulu City later this year.
To many, Rajiv was not just a rally driver but a symbol of ambition, resilience, and national pride. Through his work under the Ruparelia Foundation, he uplifted countless youth and promoted sports as a tool for social transformation. His legacy, now etched both on Uganda’s roads and in its hearts, will continue to inspire future generations to dream, drive, and give back.
