CMC, Rajiv Ruparelia Group, FMU, NCS, sponsors and drivers during the launch of the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe

Uganda’s motorsport community is uniting to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Rajiv Ruparelia, the former Patron of the Central Motor Club (CMC) and celebrated rally driver whose passion and leadership left an indelible mark on the sport.

In a poignant gesture, the Central Motor Club (CMC) and the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) have rebranded the sixth round of the National Rally Championship (NRC) as the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally.

The event will take place on October 10–11 in Gulu District, combining competitive racing with a celebration of Rajiv’s life and contribution to motorsport.

Rajiv, 35, son of business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia, tragically lost his life in May this year when his Nissan GT-R crashed and caught fire at the Buggu village flyover junction along the Kajjansi–Munyonyo–Entebbe Expressway in Wakiso District.

The memorial rally was officially launched on Tuesday at Somewhere Else (formerly Panamera Bar & Restaurant) in Naguru, with strong backing from sponsors including KCB Bank, Lato Milk, Trigger Enterprises, Mashamba, Explore Uganda, Ruparelia Group of Companies, Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Team, Gulu Made, Ssegaamu 14, Women in Motorsport Uganda, among others.

This year, KCB Bank has emerged as a key partner in Ugandan motorsport, sponsoring several NRC events such as the Pearl of Africa Rally, the Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally in Jinja, and the Fort Portal Rally.

“We perceive motorsport as a potent metaphor for the nation’s journey towards progress and resilience,” said Sheila Awori, Acting Head of Communication and Marketing at KCB Bank.

“This sponsorship is more than financial support—it’s about creating impact. By giving young drivers a platform to compete nationally, we are fostering talent, boosting tourism, and engaging the youth.”

FMU General Secretary Renolds Kibira emphasized the importance of honoring Rajiv’s legacy. “We can conceive of no more fitting tribute than dedicating an event in his name. This is not an isolated gesture but part of a broader initiative to ensure his legacy endures. Rajiv’s leadership, investment, and sponsorship profoundly impacted rally enthusiasts and the nation at large,” he said.

Clerk of the Course Enock Olinga unveiled the rally itinerary, designed to test drivers across diverse terrains.

Day One (Friday, October 10): Noblakes (15.01km), Wobbly (27.42km), and the Super Special Stage Rajiv Ruparelia (1.96km, repeated once).

Day Two (Saturday, October 11): Noblakes (15.01km), Rajiv Ruparelia (18.05km), Pink Panther (13.26km), David Ocaya & KCB Bank (12.12km), and a repeat of the Rajiv Ruparelia stage (18.05km) as the Power Stage.