Kabanda Reveals Late Rajiv Ruparelia Bankrolled Muhoozi’s 45th Birthday Bash

Patriotic League of Uganda Secretary General and Kasambya County Member of Parliament David Kabanda, popularly known as Omutume Kabanda, has revealed that the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia was the principal financier of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 45th birthday celebrations held in 2019.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Joseph Kisitu, host of the online political talk show Direct Shot and a presenter on Baba TV, Kabanda paid glowing tribute to Rajiv, casting him as a generous benefactor whose support proved decisive in the success of the event.

While praying for the repose of the businessman’s soul, Kabanda described in detail how Rajiv stepped forward to shoulder much of the logistics for the function.
“I was the first person to organize Muhoozi’s birthday in 2019 and I still remember everyone who helped me make it successful. Rajiv was the biggest sponsor because he offered a free venue at Speke Resort Munyonyo and also catered for the food and drinks for hundreds of guests who attended,” Kabanda revealed.

He disclosed that several other prominent figures chipped in financially, naming Edwin Karugire, former Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, as having each contributed two million shillings, while Cabinet Minister Frank Tumwebaze gave four million shillings, among other supporters.

Rajiv Ruparelia was widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most influential young entrepreneurs. Born on January 2, 1990, he was the son of billionaire businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, chairman of the Ruparelia Group, one of the largest privately owned conglomerates in East Africa.

After completing his studies in the United Kingdom, Rajiv returned home and took up leadership within the family business, and as Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group he drove modernisation and expansion across its interests in hospitality, real estate, education, agriculture and leisure.

Away from the boardroom, he earned a reputation as a quiet philanthropist who backed youth initiatives, community projects, sports development and charitable causes, with friends and associates remembering him as approachable, generous and deeply committed to uplifting others. His passion for motorsport also won him recognition within Uganda’s rallying fraternity, where he competed in several national events and inspired many young racers.

Rajiv’s promising life was cut short in the early hours of May 3, 2025, when he died in a fatal road crash at Busabala Junction near Munyonyo. He had just flown in from London to attend the wedding celebrations of a close friend, the son of former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, and was involved in the devastating accident shortly after the festivities, a tragedy that plunged the nation into mourning.

His death drew an outpouring of tributes from government officials, business leaders, religious figures and ordinary Ugandans, many of whom hailed him as a visionary entrepreneur and a compassionate humanitarian.

In recognition of his humanitarian impact and his contribution to Uganda’s social and economic life, Rajiv is set to receive a posthumous honour at the 9th PAP Global Awards, to be presented by Pan African Pyramid during a continental ceremony scheduled for August 29, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a venue closely bound up with his legacy.

Organisers say the recognition seeks to celebrate his commitment to philanthropy, youth empowerment, business excellence and community transformation, values they believe continue to inspire Ugandans and Africans beyond his passing.

As fresh details emerge about his backing of major national events such as Gen Muhoozi’s birthday, many feel the upcoming award will serve as a fitting tribute to a man whose influence reached well beyond business and whose legacy still resonates across the country and the continent.

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