Gulu City To Name Major Road After Late Rally Friver Rajiv Ruparelia

The streets of Gulu are set to carry a name that has left a lasting mark on Uganda’s motorsport and philanthropic landscape. The Gulu City Council has resolved to name one of its major roads after the late rally driver and businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, a gesture that celebrates his passion for sports, community empowerment, and national development.

The decision followed the recently concluded Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally, an emotional event that drew thousands of motorsport fans to Gulu City. The two-day competition, held in honour of Rajiv’s memory, was part of the 2025 National Rally Championship and brought together top drivers from across the country. The excitement on the track was matched only by the atmosphere off it, as residents and visitors reflected on Rajiv’s impact far beyond the rally scene.

Mayor Alfred Okwonga, who presided over the special council sitting that passed the resolution, said the proposed Rajiv Ruparelia Road will run near Pece Stadium, one of the central points of the rally circuit.

He described the move as both a tribute and a reminder of Rajiv’s deep connection to the people of northern Uganda. “Rajiv believed in the power of sport to build communities,” Okwonga said. “Through his foundation and his personal drive, he inspired many young people to see possibilities beyond their circumstances. This road will serve as a symbol of that enduring inspiration.”

Rajiv, who passed away in May this year, was not only one of Uganda’s most promising rally drivers but also a key figure in promoting sports tourism through the Ruparelia Foundation. His involvement in motorsport was always coupled with a focus on giving back, often using rally events to promote local enterprise and environmental awareness. During the Gulu memorial event, organizers planted trees and commissioned a borehole as a lasting reminder of his commitment to improving lives.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Rajiv’s father, expressed gratitude to Gulu City Council for what he described as a touching and meaningful gesture. “As a family, we are deeply moved by this decision,” he said. “Rajiv loved Uganda, and he loved seeing communities come alive through sport and development. To have his name placed on a road in Gulu is to keep his spirit alive among the very people he cared about.”

The memorial rally, which covered more than 260 kilometers across competitive stages including Noblakes and Wobbly, culminated in a Super Special Stage dedicated to Rajiv’s memory. IUEA’s Hassan Alwi emerged as the overall winner, followed closely by Ronald Ssebuguzi and Aine Godfrey Kaguta, known as Sodo. The event, however, was about more than competition. It was a reflection of camaraderie, resilience, and the unifying spirit that Rajiv embodied throughout his life.

City officials confirmed that the resolution will be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for approval before the road signage is unveiled. Once completed, the Rajiv Ruparelia Road will not only guide travelers through Gulu but also remind them of a young man whose passion for speed was matched by his compassion for people.

For the community that gathered to celebrate him, the road will stand as both a direction and a memory—a path that carries his legacy forward.