The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University has publicly expressed gratitude to the Ruparelia family for personally standing with him following the death of his mother, Immaculate Kayonga, in a gesture he described as rare and deeply humane in today’s corporate and academic environments.
In a statement shared on X, the university chief revealed that Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Mrs. Jyotsna Ruparelia, Ms. Sheena Ruparelia, and Mr. Jay Sakaria visited his family home on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to offer condolences as the family mourned their loss.
He said the visit brought comfort at a moment of profound grief.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the presence of the Ruparelia family went beyond formal obligation, highlighting it as an example of leadership rooted in empathy rather than hierarchy.
He observed that it is uncommon for employers to personally show up for their staff during times of personal tragedy, describing the visit as a powerful reflection of the family’s values.
According to the statement, the Ruparelia family’s humility and warmth left a lasting impression on his family, reinforcing a sense of shared humanity that transcends professional relationships.
He said their support felt less like that of employers and more like that of close relatives standing together in mourning.
The tribute has drawn attention within academic and business circles in Uganda, where discussions around ethical leadership and people-centered institutions continue to gain prominence.
Victoria University, founded by business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has often positioned itself as an institution that prioritizes community and social responsibility alongside academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor concluded by saying he would remain forever grateful for the strength and comfort extended to his family during the painful period, describing the gesture as a reminder that compassion remains a powerful force in leadership and institutional culture.