Rajiv’s Legacy Lives On as Ruparelia Family Names Baby Chimp ‘RR’, Donates Shs50 Million to Conservation

At the sanctuary he frequently visited, family, friends and conservationists gathered to honour the late Rajiv Ruparelia through the adoption of a baby chimpanzee, a Shs50 million donation, and a renewed commitment to protecting Uganda’s wildlife.

 

NGAMBA ISLAND, WAKISO — The mood was light, the laughter genuine, and the setting breathtaking.

Against the backdrop of Lake Victoria’s shimmering waters and the playful chatter of rescued chimpanzees, the Ruparelia family on Saturday gathered at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to celebrate the life and conservation legacy of the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

Located about 38 kilometres from Speke Resort Munyonyo’s Marina dock, the sanctuary welcomed businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, his wife Jyotsna, children, grandchildren, relatives and close family friends for what turned into an emotional but inspiring day of remembrance.

Among those present were veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, members of the media fraternity, representatives of Miss Tourism Uganda, conservationists and the management and staff of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The highlight of the day was the adoption and naming of an almost one-year-old chimpanzee, officially christened Rajiv Raj Ruparelia (RR) in honour of the late businessman and philanthropist whose passion for wildlife conservation was remembered throughout the event.

Sanctuary officials revealed that the young chimp was born on November 29, 2025, and that the naming was intended to ensure Rajiv’s love for wildlife and conservation continues to inspire future generations.

One of the most touching moments came when Rajiv’s daughter joined family members and sanctuary officials during the naming ceremony. She actively participated in the day’s activities, interacted with sanctuary staff and joined in unveiling the name of the young chimp that will now carry her father’s initials.

The family also participated in the sanctuary’s popular chimpanzee feeding session, watching as dozens of chimpanzees emerged from the forest to receive fruits and other feeds from their caretakers.

For many in attendance, the feeding session offered a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the work being done to protect one of humanity’s closest relatives.

As part of the celebrations, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia donated Shs50 million towards the welfare, rehabilitation and protection of chimpanzees at the sanctuary.

Speaking during the event, Sudhir reflected on the values his son held dear.

“Rajiv believed that those who have been blessed with opportunity have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, including wildlife and the environment,” he said.

The businessman described the occasion as both emotional and meaningful, noting that conservation was among the causes Rajiv passionately supported during his lifetime.

The donation also highlighted a relationship between the Ruparelia family and Ngamba Island that stretches back nearly three decades.

According to sanctuary management, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife Jyotsna have been supporting the sanctuary since 1997, making them among its longest-serving benefactors.

Officials praised the businessman for his unwavering commitment to conservation, particularly during difficult periods such as the COVID-19 lockdown when tourism revenues collapsed and the sanctuary struggled to meet feeding and operational costs.

One sanctuary official paid glowing tribute to Sudhir’s contribution.

“It takes a special person to spend his money caring for animals that will never stand up and say thank you,” the official remarked, drawing applause from guests.

The official further noted that such acts of generosity have enabled the sanctuary to continue caring for rescued chimpanzees that have nowhere else to go.

Management also recalled Rajiv as one of Ngamba Island’s regular visitors.

According to officials, whenever his busy schedule permitted, Rajiv would visit the sanctuary with friends and family, introducing many of them to Uganda’s conservation efforts and the work being done to rescue endangered chimpanzees.

The family has over the years become synonymous with wildlife conservation in Uganda.

Prior to the adoption of baby chimp RR, the family had adopted another chimpanzee named Rupa, which remains one of the sanctuary’s most recognizable adopted chimpanzees.

Beyond Ngamba Island, the Ruparelia family has also supported rhino conservation. In 2020, the family adopted a white rhino calf at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, which was named Rae Ruparelia after Rajiv and his wife Rae. The initiative was part of efforts to support Uganda’s rhino conservation programme and demonstrated the family’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife.

Ngamba Island currently provides a safe home to more than 50 rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, many of them victims of illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.

Situated on a forested island in Lake Victoria, the sanctuary serves as a centre for conservation, research, education and eco-tourism. The chimpanzees roam freely within the island’s natural forest habitat during the day under the watchful eye of caretakers.

Throughout the day, guests shared memories of Rajiv — a businessman, father, husband, friend and adventurer whose enthusiasm for life touched many people.

Children played along the lakeshore, elders exchanged stories, and conservationists reflected on the importance of protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

For the Ruparelia family, however, the day was about more than remembrance.

By naming a young chimpanzee after Rajiv and contributing to the protection of one of Uganda’s most important conservation sites, they transformed grief into something enduring.

As the boats departed the island and disappeared into the waters of Lake Victoria, young “RR” remained behind — a living reminder that while Rajiv Ruparelia may be gone, the values he cherished continue to thrive.

On an island he loved to visit, among chimpanzees he helped protect, his story has found a new home.

 

The post Rajiv’s Legacy Lives On as Ruparelia Family Names Baby Chimp ‘RR’, Donates Shs50 Million to Conservation appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.