The late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia is set to receive a posthumous Humanitarian Award at this year’s Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards, in recognition of his contribution to philanthropy, youth empowerment and social development in Uganda and beyond.
The honour 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.
According to a statement issued through the Office of the Speaker, the Pan-African Pyramid Awards Committee unanimously selected Rajiv for the recognition because of his involvement in initiatives supporting education, healthcare, sports and vulnerable communities.
The committee said Rajiv’s contribution extended beyond his achievements in the corporate world, highlighting his commitment to improving the lives of others and encouraging young Africans to pursue entrepreneurship while maintaining a strong sense of social responsibility.
Organisers described him as a philanthropist whose work touched many lives and whose example continues to inspire a new generation of African entrepreneurs and charitable leaders.
Members of the Ruparelia family, including Ruparelia Group Chairman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia, are expected to attend the ceremony and accept the award on Rajiv’s behalf.
The event in Kampala is expected to attract prominent guests from Uganda and other parts of Africa, including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural personalities and representatives of development organisations.
Renowned Zimbabwean Pan-Africanist Bishop Joshua Maponga Marara III has also been invited to attend the celebrations as one of the notable guests.
Beyond recognising Rajiv’s legacy, the organisers are also considering deeper cooperation with the Ruparelia Foundation through the annual “X-Mas With Refugees” programme.
The humanitarian initiative is carried out in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister’s Department of Refugees and focuses on providing assistance and community support to refugee communities in Uganda.
The committee said expanding the initiative through a wider humanitarian programme inspired by Rajiv’s values could create an opportunity to reach more vulnerable communities across Africa.
The Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards are presented to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to African leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and social transformation.
For the organisers, honouring Rajiv posthumously is both a recognition of the work he carried out during his lifetime and an opportunity to keep his humanitarian values alive.
His recognition is expected to highlight a legacy built not only around business and entrepreneurship, but also around generosity, community support and efforts to create opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups.
