KAMPALA — The Ruparelia family is set to receive a posthumous Humanitarian Award on behalf of the late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia, in recognition of his contribution to communities and his support for initiatives in education, healthcare, sports and youth empowerment.
The award will be presented during the 9th Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards and 12th Anniversary Dinner scheduled for August 29 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Pan-African Pyramid founder Andrew Irumba Katusabe said the decision to recognise Rajiv followed an assessment of his contribution to society and the example he set for young Africans seeking to combine entrepreneurship with social responsibility.
According to Katusabe, the late philanthropist’s impact extended beyond the business sector, with his interests in youth development, sports, healthcare and charitable causes earning him recognition among communities and young entrepreneurs.
“He impacted countless lives and inspired a generation of young African entrepreneurs and philanthropists,” Mr Irumba said.
The award will be received by Rajiv’s father, businessman and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, his mother Jyotsna Ruparelia and other members of the family.
The recognition also comes after the Ruparelia family supported the Pan-African Pyramid’s activities by providing the venue and food for the organisation’s event without charge.
Mr Irumba described the gesture as evidence of the family’s willingness to support initiatives promoting African unity, social responsibility and community development.
Rajiv, who died earlier this year, was widely known for his involvement in business and motorsport, as well as his philanthropic interests.
Since his death, a number of activities have been organised to commemorate his life and continue causes associated with his legacy.
On May 3, motorsport enthusiasts and supporters participated in a procession from RR Pearl Tower to Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme, “Restoring Hope, Honouring a Legacy, Changing Lives.” The programme also featured a prosthetic limb donation drive at Mulago Hospital.
Other initiatives undertaken in his memory have included a borehole project in Naguru and free eye-care outreaches aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
The Pan-African Pyramid said this year’s awards will also provide an opportunity to promote African philanthropy and mobilise support for displaced and vulnerable people across the continent.
The event is expected to attract political and business leaders, diplomats, cultural personalities and Pan-African activists from Uganda, other African countries and the diaspora.
Zimbabwean Pan-Africanist Bishop Joshua Maponga Marara III is among the prominent guests expected at the gathering.
The Pan-African Pyramid says its work is centred on promoting Pan-Africanism, patriotism and nationalism while celebrating individuals and institutions contributing to Africa’s social and economic transformation.
The recognition of Rajiv is therefore expected to place his philanthropic legacy within the broader conversation about the role of African businesses and entrepreneurs in addressing social challenges facing communities on the continent.