By Joseph muyingo
The legacy of the late rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia is taking on a new dimension, with the Ruparelia Foundation turning his memory into an opportunity to support girls’ education, welfare and sports development.
Luweero Girls Primary School in Luweero District is among the beneficiaries of this initiative, receiving scholastic materials, sanitary pads and sports equipment intended to improve the learning environment and encourage girls to participate in extracurricular activities.
The donation included books, pens, pencils, reams of paper and toilet paper, alongside sanitary pads and balls to support learners both in the classroom and on the sports field.
The outreach reflects efforts to extend Rajiv’s legacy beyond the motorsport arena by using activities organised in his memory to address community needs and create opportunities for young people.
Rajiv, the son of businessman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, died last year, leaving behind a legacy associated with rally driving and a strong connection to Uganda’s motorsport community.
Speaking during the handover, Kimera Stewart, who led the foundation team, said the initiative was intended to continue Rajiv’s spirit of generosity by supporting young people in ways that could make a difference in their lives.
He said the foundation wanted to ensure that remembering Rajiv went beyond motorsport competitions to include meaningful contributions to communities, particularly children who need support to pursue their education and talents.
The donation also drew attention to the importance of menstrual hygiene in girls’ education, with sanitary pads among the items provided to the school.
Access to essential hygiene products remains an important aspect of supporting girls’ welfare and helping them participate comfortably in school activities.
The provision of sports equipment was another key component of the outreach, with Stewart encouraging parents and teachers to give girls greater opportunities to participate in sports.
He noted that sporting activities can help learners develop discipline, confidence and teamwork while allowing them to discover talents that could open doors to future opportunities.
Luweero Girls Primary School headteacher Christine Kigozi welcomed the donation, saying the materials would help address some of the institution’s needs and benefit learners.
She thanked the Ruparelia family for extending support to the school, noting that the scholastic materials, sanitary pads and sports equipment would contribute to the girls’ education and personal development.
As part of the visit, the foundation team planted a memorial tree at the school in honour of Rajiv, providing a lasting symbol of remembrance and the commitment to supporting future generations.
The school outreach was conducted as part of activities surrounding the second edition of a motor competition held in Rajiv’s memory in Gulu District.
By linking motorsport with community support, the initiative demonstrates how memorial activities can provide an opportunity to invest in education, promote girls’ participation in sports and respond to practical needs in schools.
For the learners at Luweero Girls Primary School, the donation offers immediate educational and welfare support, while the memorial tree stands as a reminder of a legacy being carried forward through opportunities for the next generation.
