Ponsiano Rwakataka remembers Rajiv Ruparelia’s rare competitive spirit and generous heart in rally sport
Beyond his speed and courage behind the wheel, fellow drivers say Rajiv’s greatest strength was his willingness to uplift others within the rally fraternity, even those he would later face on the track.
The Ugandan motorsport fraternity has continued to pay glowing tribute to late rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia, with former national rally champion Ponsiano Rwakataka describing him as a rare competitor whose passion, humility and generosity distinguished him from many in the sport.
Speaking during an event held to mark one year since Rajiv’s death, Rwakataka reflected on the young driver’s remarkable talent and the deep impact he had on Uganda’s rallying community despite his short career.
“God had made Rajiv in a special way,” Rwakataka said emotionally. “Rajiv was one of the young drivers who defeated me in a race on his first attempt.”
Rwakataka recalled the memorable race in Kayunga where Rajiv stunned experienced rally drivers by outperforming them in a competition that attracted some of the country’s top names in motorsport.
“We were in Kayunga, and all the senior drivers participated in that race, and Rajiv defeated us,” he said. “We later went to the Mbarara Rally, and that is when many of us realized he was not just another participant.”
According to the veteran driver, Rajiv’s mentality separated him from many racers who merely joined competitions for visibility rather than genuine competitiveness.
“Most drivers are just participants, not competitors. Rajiv was a competitor,” Rwakataka noted. “God had given him a good heart and love for the sport.”
Beyond his speed and courage behind the wheel, fellow drivers say Rajiv’s greatest strength was his willingness to uplift others within the rally fraternity, even those he would later face on the track.
Rwakataka revealed that Rajiv often extended financial support to fellow drivers preparing for competitions, something he says is uncommon in the highly competitive sport.
“Rajiv was someone I would call ahead of a race and tell him that I had no fuel,” Rwakataka revealed. “He would give me Shs5 million yet we were going to compete in the same race.”
He added that many competitors often prefer rivals to struggle with poor cars or limited preparations to gain an advantage, but Rajiv believed in strengthening competition rather than weakening opponents.
“No competitors here can do that,” Rwakataka said. “Competitors don’t want you to have a good car or anything, but Rajiv would facilitate you. He would want you to have a good car.”
Rajiv’s death in a car accident last year sent shockwaves through Uganda’s sports and business circles, with many remembering him as one of the country’s most promising rally talents. Though his life was cut short, his influence continues to inspire both upcoming and seasoned drivers.
The commemorative event attracted rally enthusiasts, drivers, friends and family members who gathered to celebrate a man many described as fearless on the track and compassionate off it.
For many in Uganda’s motorsport community, Rajiv’s legacy is no longer defined only by trophies or race victories, but by the sportsmanship, generosity and unity he brought into rally racing.
