Sudhir Unveils Kampala’s Tallest Tower in Memory of Son Rajiv

By Gad Masereka

Kampala’s skyline was reshaped this week as business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia unveiled RR Pearl Tower One, a 16-storey commercial complex that now ranks as the tallest business tower in the city.

Towering above Yusuf Lule Road, the building is the first phase of the vast Pearl Business Park project, an ambitious development expected to redefine Uganda’s central business district and position it as a destination for global investors.

Designed as a Grade A office complex, the tower brings with it state-of-the-art workspaces, modern conferencing halls, and luxury amenities intended to meet the growing demand for high-end business facilities in Kampala.

For investors and tenants, the development signals a new era of commercial infrastructure; for the Ruparelia family, it represents something far more personal.

The initials “RR” carry the name of Rajiv Ruparelia, Sudhir’s late son, whose sudden death in a car accident on May 3 left a void in both the family and the business community.

Rajiv, only 36, had quickly risen to prominence as a driving force within the Ruparelia Group, overseeing ventures in real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy with a blend of youthful energy and innovation. His passing was widely mourned as the loss of one of Uganda’s brightest entrepreneurial figures.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Sudhir’s voice carried both pride and emotion. “RR Pearl Tower One is not just a building. It is a memory cast in stone, a dedication to my son’s vision and spirit,” he told guests.

The moment was made more poignant as Rajiv’s mother, Jyotsna, lit a candle before the tower’s plaque was revealed, her quiet gesture underscoring the depth of the family’s loss and the enduring strength of their tribute.

For those who knew Rajiv, the dedication feels fitting. Often described as “the modern face of the Ruparelia Empire,” he was a symbol of continuity and ambition, known for his commitment to pushing Uganda’s business potential beyond traditional boundaries. “This building captures what Rajiv stood for—growth, innovation, and a future that inspires,” said a family associate who attended the ceremony.

The launch also carries broader implications for the city. Analysts predict RR Pearl Tower One will draw both foreign and domestic investment, create significant employment opportunities, and set a new standard for Kampala’s real estate market. Its position along the capital’s central artery is expected to attract regional headquarters, multinationals, and high-profile tenants seeking a modern base in East Africa.

As Kampala’s newest landmark, RR Pearl Tower One now stands as more than an architectural achievement. It is a dual symbol: a beacon of Uganda’s economic transformation and a deeply personal memorial to a life cut short but not forgotten.

Rising above the city, the tower ensures that Rajiv Ruparelia’s dreams remain firmly anchored in the heart of the capital—a lasting reminder that vision, even in loss, can still shape the future.