KAMPALA, Uganda : The Ruparelia Foundation has donated 20 assistive devices (artificial limbs) to individuals who suffered amputations due to road accidents, in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away one year ago in a fatal crash.
The donation ceremony was held on May 3, 2026, at the Mulago National Referral Hospital Orthopedics Workshop in Old Mulago. A total of 20 beneficiaries, including children, received the mobility assistive devices aimed at improving their quality of life.
The Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, expressed concern over the rising number of disabilities caused by road accidents. He cited statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 report, indicating that approximately 5.5 million people—representing 13.5% of the population—are living with some form of disability and require assistive devices for mobility.
Dr. Olaro emphasized that the government will continue to sensitize the public on road safety measures to reduce accidents that lead to life-altering disabilities.
Mulago Hospital Executive Director, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, commended the Ruparelia family, led by Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, for the timely donation. She noted that the hospital handles numerous cases resulting in amputations and urged road users, especially drivers, to exercise caution and professionalism.
Representing the Ruparelia family, Jyotsna Ruparelia, wife to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, said the donation marked exactly one year since the passing of their son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a motor accident along the Munyonyo Expressway on May 3, 2025.
She described Rajiv as a kind and humble individual who constantly encouraged others to work hard and overcome life’s challenges.
“This is not just about remembering Rajiv today, but about sharing his love and passion for people, especially in business and community development,” she said.
Jyotsna added that the family had initially identified 40 individuals affected by amputations due to road accidents. While 20 received assistive devices during the ceremony, the remaining beneficiaries are expected to receive support in the near future.
Rajiv’s sister, Sheena Ruparelia, thanked friends and supporters for their compassion during the family’s difficult time and pledged to uphold her brother’s legacy.
She also expressed gratitude to their father, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, for his strength and leadership in guiding the family forward.
Rajiv’s son read a brief message of courage, assuring attendees of the family’s resilience despite their loss.
Later in the day, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia flagged off a caravan of rally drivers from the RR Tower Complex along Yusuf Lule Road to Munyonyo Marina Club Gardens, where members of Rajiv’s rally fraternity gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
