Tragedy Strikes as Businessman Rajiv Ruparelia Dies in High-Speed Car Crash
A devastating car accident on the Kampala Southern Bypass Highway has claimed the life of Rajiv Ruparelia, a prominent Ugandan businessman and Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group. The incident occurred on Saturday morning at the Busabala Flyover, where Ruparelia’s Nissan GTR, affectionately known as "Godzilla," collided with temporary pavement barriers and burst into flames.
According to Traffic Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura, the crash happened at around 1:54 AM in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. "The Police at Kajjansi have registered a single fatal crash," Kananura stated. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver lost control of the vehicle after colliding with temporary pavements installed at the roundabout section of the flyover."
The vehicle involved was a precision-engineered Nissan GTR, registration number UAT 638L, renowned for its fusion of brute power and cutting-edge technology. Often referred to as "Godzilla" in automotive circles, the Nissan GTR is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 beast capable of producing up to 565 horsepower and 633 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of over 310 km/h, making it one of the fastest production cars on the road today.
As reported by Chimp Reports, the vehicle is also equipped with advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) and multi-mode adjustable suspension, designed to maintain high levels of grip and stability even at extreme speeds. Its dual-clutch transmission delivers lightning-fast gear shifts, while the sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system helps maintain control in sharp turns or during sudden braking.
However, the very attributes that make the GTR an icon of power also mean it demands the highest level of caution from its driver. The car’s stiff ride, low clearance, and explosive torque can be punishing on uneven urban roads—particularly in unpredictable environments like roadworks or flyover roundabouts. This may have been a contributing factor in the crash, as police noted that the vehicle collided with temporary pavement structures at a roundabout section of the Busabala Flyover, which has recently undergone traffic redirection due to construction.
Rajiv Ruparelia, who was alone in the car at the time, had just hours earlier shared a photo of his young child on social media—a final message that has struck a deeply emotional chord among his family, friends, and followers. He was not only the Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group—a vast conglomerate with interests in real estate, education, banking, and hospitality—but also a motorsport enthusiast. Ruparelia founded the Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team, helping revive competitive rallying in Uganda.
As Chimp Reports previously mentioned, Rajiv, 35, was born on January 2, 1990, and earned a degree in Financial Management from Regent’s University in London. After returning to Uganda, he took charge of major projects like Speke Apartments, Kingdom Kampala, and Kampala Boulevard. Under his stewardship, the Ruparelia Group invested in sustainability and community empowerment through its philanthropic wing, the Ruparelia Foundation.
The sudden death of Rajiv Ruparelia now turns the spotlight on both personal loss and broader national issues—particularly the growing rate of road accidents. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, 5,144 people died in road crashes in 2024 alone, with an average of 14 deaths recorded each day. High-speed collisions, infrastructure limitations, and road design challenges have all contributed to the toll.
Funeral arrangements for Rajiv Ruparelia are expected to be announced by the family. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution on the highways. As quoted by Chimp Reports, Kananura stated, "The vehicle subsequently overturned and caught fire, leading to the instant death of the driver, identified as Mr. Rajiv Ruparelia."
