Gulu City Council has announced plans to name one of its major roads after the late businessman and motorsport enthusiast Rajiv Ruparelia, in recognition of his contribution to Uganda’s sports tourism and community development.
The resolution was proposed during a special council sitting held on Saturday following the successful Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally, which drew thousands of spectators to the northern city.
The event, part of the 2025 National Rally Championship, was organized by the Central Motor Club (CMC) in Rajiv’s honour after his tragic passing in May this year.
According to Mayor Alfred Okwonga, the proposed “Rajiv Ruparelia Road” will be located near Pece Stadium, an area that hosted part of the rally circuit.
He said the gesture reflects the city’s gratitude toward the Ruparelia Foundation for its ongoing investment in youth empowerment, sports, and social transformation across Uganda.
“Rajiv believed in building communities through sport, and his energy brought life to our city,” Okwonga noted. “Naming this road after him is a symbol of how his legacy continues to inspire northern Uganda.”
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, father to the late Rajiv, welcomed the move by the Gulu City Council to honor his son with such a heartwarming tribute that will immortalize his legacy not just in the north but across the country.
“Incredibly touched and grateful to the Gulu City Council for this lasting honor. Naming a road after our dear brother, Rajiv Ruparelia, is a beautiful tribute that ensures his memory lives on in the community,” Sudhir, who graced the memorial rally alongside wife Jyotsna Ruparelia, noted. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
The organizers also undertook a community project in Gulu to drill a borehole and plant trees in honor of the life and contributions of Rajiv, who was an active member of the Ugandan motorsport community.
DailyExpress understands that the council’s resolution will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for formal approval, and once endorsed, the road signage will then be unveiled in Gulu City.
The two-day rally, which served as the sixth round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), was won by IUEA’s Hassan Alwi. Ronald Ssebuguzi and Aine Godfrey Kaguta (Sodo) followed in second and third, respectively.
The total rally covered 260.88 kilometers and included competitive stages such as Noblakes and Wobbly, as well as a Super Special Stage named after Rajiv Ruparelia.
