We are well past the halfway mark of the 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship, with five of seven rounds already complete and what a rollercoaster it has been! In a twist that has left fans both astonished and delighted, Ponsiano Lwakataka, who has won four of the five events so far, is still not the NRC leader. Instead, consistency king Ronald Sebuguzi holds the top spot, despite not winning a single round.
Lwakataka started the season in dazzling fashion, clinching victories in the opening rounds of Mbarara and Masaka. A major setback struck at the Pearl of Africa Rally, where an engine failure forced him out early, but he returned with a vengeance, winning the Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally and, for the first time, finishing strong at the UMC Fort Portal Tourism City Rally. Ponsiano now lurks just six points behind Sebuguzi, setting up a nail-biting finish for the remaining rounds in Gulu and Hoima.
Sebuguzi, last year’s runner-up, has been the embodiment of reliability this season. Finishing all five rounds so far, he started with two 2nd-place finishes in Mbarara and Masaka, then slipped to 7th at the Pearl of Africa Rally before bouncing back with 3rd in Bugerere and 2nd in Fort Portal. His steady accumulation of points has him perched at the top with 241 points.
In third place, rookie sensation Musa Ssegaabwe has made a remarkable debut in the NRC after being promoted from the CRC class. With podium finishes including a strong performance at the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally, Ssegaabwe trails Sebuguzi by just 33.5 points, keeping him firmly in contention for the championship crown. Other notable performances include Aine Sodo in 4th, Duncan Mubiru hampered by a DNF at Fort Portal in 5th, and Michael Mukula steadily recovering from early-season setbacks to lie in 6th.
The 2WD battle is equally thrilling. Mansoor Lubega leads by a single point over Julius Semambo, making every stage a potential decider. Lubega has impressed since upgrading to a Toyota Corolla, winning Fort Portal after a minor setback in Kayunga. Semambo, familiar with his Toyota Sprinter, continues to improve with every rally. Hajji Amir Kavuma remains steady, while Edward Kirumira and last year’s 2WD champion Ibrahim Lubega face challenges that have left them trailing in 4th and 5th, respectively.
In the CRC class, Walter Kibande continues to dominate with three wins out of five rounds, his partnership with Duncan Katumba proving formidable. Ahmed Kateete is keeping pressure high, narrowly ahead of young Kevin Bebeto, who has managed one win but remains determined to shake up the standings. Robert Sentongo (Nkima) has struggled with multiple setbacks, while Odeon Tumwebaze steadily adapts to his Toyota Alteza, hinting at a potential upgrade soon.
As the championship heads into its penultimate round in Gulu, the title races in each class remain wide open. The top crews are not backing down, promising fans two more rounds of unpredictable, adrenaline-fueled action.
Uganda’s rally maestro Ponsiano “Mafu Mafu” Lwakataka and his co-driver Paul Musaazi continued their ruthless charge in the National Rally Championship, clinching their fourth straightwin at theUMC Fort Portal Tourism Rally.
Behind the wheel of his trusty Subaru Impreza N12, Lwakataka delivered a textbook performance across the tricky stages of Kyenjojo and Fort Portal, leading from the very first kilometer to the last. He stopped the clock at 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 53 seconds, sealing a flawless flag-to-flag victory.
Sebuguzi, cool and clinical in his own Ford fiesta proto, chased hard but had to settle for second in 1:22:23. The podium was wrapped up by the KCB-backed crew of Mike Mukula Jr and Edward Kiyingi, who impressed in their Subaru N14 with 1:23:09, also bagging three stage wins along the way.
Behind them, Samuel Bwette/Mildred Kibuuka (Subaru N14) slotted into fourth with 1:26:52, while the fan-favourite highlight came from Musa Ssegaabwe/Mathias Kiyega. In true “Mad Max” fashion, they completed the 2nd last stage on one tyre and three punctures in their Evo 9, still clinging onto fifth place in 1:27:50.
Not to be outdone Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru went sightseeing into nearby plantations during the power stage in his Ford Fiesta, leaving fans both gasping.
The 2WD crews gave their own dose of fireworks. Julius Semambo/Jafer Lukenge piloted their trusty Toyota Sprinter to victory in 1:37:28, but not without a fierce battle with Ibrahim Lubega/Mustapha Kanakulya (Toyota FX) who chased to 1:39:25. Third place was sealed by Mansoor Lubega/Ronald Bukenya in a Toyota Corolla, despite a four-minute penalty that pushed them back to 1:46:58.
The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) produced its own drama. Walter Kibande/Duncan Katumba (Subaru GC8) claimed victory in 54:20:92, but not without stiff competition. Rising star Kevin Bebeto/Siraj Kyambade (Subaru N10) were on course for glory until a broken driveshaft in the super special stage dropped them to second with 57:24:03.
Nuwagaba Odeon/Hussein Mukuye (Toyota Altezza) continued their consistent run in third on 1:05:31, while Ahmed Kateete/Morgan Serugga closed out the class.
Ronald Sebuguzi – 241 pts
Ponsiano Lwakataka – 235 pts
Musa Ssegaabwe – 207.5 pts
Duncan Mubiru – 140 pts
Aine Sordo Kaguta – 139.5 pts
Mike Mukula Jr – 131 pts
Didas Matisko – 124 pts
Peter Kalule – 124 pts
Yasin Nasser – 110 pts
With just two rounds left, the NRC title fight is tighter than a turbo pipe. Lwakataka is breathing down Sebuguzi’s neck, while the midfield remains a battlefield of its own. Before the championship roars north to Gulu for Round 6, fans will warm up at Samuel Watendwa’s fundraising sprint in Festiono City on September21, 2025 a likely appetiser for the showdown to come.
And here… ladies and gentlemen… comes a man who drives not merely with his hands, nor only with his feet… but with his soul. A man whose name is not written in ink, but carved into the very gravel of Uganda’s rally stages. For more than two decades, he has been both the hurricane and the calm after it. He has been the storm that others feared… and the sunshine that the fans adored. You do not watch him drive you survive him. You do not follow his story you endure it.
This is Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka… a force of nature in human form. He has tasted glory. He has faced ruin. He has fought his way back from the depths. And still… still he thunders on! Against the odds, against the rivals, against the very laws of physics he writes chapters that no author dares imagine. He is Uganda’s plot twist on four wheels… and if you are on the stage when he’s coming… you had better pray you are not in his way.”
In 1998, young Ponsiano decided to join motorsport, but instead of rallying like a normal human, he picked motocross a sport where your bones apply for early retirement and your X-rays learn your name. After two years of bouncing around like a ragdoll on an energy drink overdose, his skeleton filed a formal complaint. In 2000, he moved to rallying, figuring it’s better when the car, not his spine, takes most of the abuse.
His first chariot? A humble Toyota Levin, bought for 3 million shillings from Ismail Lule — “just give me something that moves.” With the late Sgt. Famba by his side, he began his very first rally dead last out of 40 cars. Three days later, he was in 3rd. No sponsors. No big budget. Just talent, nerve, and a streak of madness that would one day terrify Africa’s fastest
2001 brought him a Subaru Legacy that treated rally finishes like bad relationships out of 10 events, it only completed one. In 2002, he upgraded to a Subaru GC8 and joined forces with George Semakula. Their rise was fast: 11th in 2002, 3rd, then 2nd, and finally Champions of Uganda in 2005. Suspicion grew. Scrutineers tore the car apart, searching for hidden magic. They found nothing but steel and spirit. One whispered, ‘Perhaps we should scan their brains instead.’ Because when a car is ordinary but results extraordinary, the truth lies beyond the machine it lies in the heart of the driver.”
2006 — the road is never kind. In Akright Estates, a tree chose a tragic fate, stepping right into the path of Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka’s car. Nature tried to stop the storm, and nature lost.
2007 — a challenge issued by Ronald Sebuguzi, confident, bold, eager to ‘teach’ the master. But when Mafu Mafu returned, he wasn’t just back he was unstoppable, winning five out of six rallies, leaving Sebuguzi clutching his steering wheel and Googling ‘how to unchallenge someone politely.’
That same year, the Pearl of Africa Rally saw Zimbabwe’s Conrad Rautenbach roll in, shiny and proud in a Subaru N10. By the end, Ponsiano’s trusty old GC8 had humbled the star so thoroughly that rumor has it Conrad’s pride is still lost somewhere between the border and the dust.”
“2008 — a passing of the torch, or so it seemed. Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka handed the keys to his wife, Rose. One might expect caution, a gentle touch. But no. Rose embraced the Mafu Mafu spirit with fire and fury, tearing through the stages to finish as the best national crew in the Pearl Rally. The lesson was clear: marry a Lwakataka, and you marry speed itself.”
“2010 — a championship duel for the ages. Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka and Susan Muwonge locked in a fierce battle that stretched to the very last second. But fate intervened his engine staged a protest, silencing the roar when it mattered most. Yet true champions rise again. In 2011, he exacted sweet revenge, claiming the KCB Pearl Rally title with undeniable authority. The following year, 2012, brought a rivalry with Jas Mangat so fierce, so relentless, that both of them finishing the same rally was as rare as a boda boda with working indicators a spectacle the fans could only dream of witnessing.”
2014 the year the road grew dark. Prison bars held Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka, a man who swears his innocence but whose spirit refused to be caged. Two years later, in 2016, the roar of the engines welcomed him home. Just two weeks after his release, behind the wheel of a car christened Manyi Ga Bantu ‘Power of the People’ he stormed the Mbarara Rally to a breathtaking 2nd place finish. A testament: you can imprison the man, but you cannot imprison his speed.”
2019 — the year the beast was unleashed. Thanks to the passion of his fans, Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka took the wheel of a Subaru N12b, a car with a storied past as Jas Mangat’s own. At his very first rally with the beast, he roared to 3rd overall. The competition? Suddenly looking over their shoulders a little more often, realizing the hunt had truly begun.”
“2022 — the season of dreams, the championship within reach. Two rounds to go, and Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka was the man to beat. But fate had other plans. Behind bars, yet unbowed, he still led from his prison cell a champion in spirit if not in freedom. Then, in the final act, Byron Rugomoka surged forward, snatching the title like a thief in the night, while Mafu Mafu plotted his inevitable return. Because legends don’t fade they roar back louder.”
Four events into the season, and the roar of Ponsiano ‘Mafu Mafu’ Lwakataka and Paul Musazi’s victories have become a thunderclap across the rally landscape. Competitors are drenched in sweat, like boda riders caught at a relentless checkpoint, hearts pounding, hopes fading. The fans? Their screams shake the very earth beneath the tires. And the trophy shelf? It’s no longer just a shelf it’s a monument crying out for expansion.
This is no mere driver. This is a living saga, a plot twist carved into the dusty roads of Uganda. The architect of shattered dreams and stolen glory. A man who has faced down nature’s fury, rivals’ wrath, and even the cold bars of confinement only to return, time and again, faster, fiercer, unstoppable.
Ponsiano Lwakataka is not just racing against opponents; he is racing against fate itself. And in this relentless pursuit, one truth remains unshaken: legends don’t fade. They roar back, louder than ever.”
The motorsport spotlight in Uganda has once again shone on veteran rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka and his co-driver Paul Musazi, who have been crowned winners of the Fortebet Real Star Award for the month of July in the motorsport category.
The prestigious recognition follows their outstanding victory in the Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally, which was the fourth round of the 2024 National Rally Championship (NRC). The rally, known for its dusty terrain and technical stages, attracted top competitors from across the country, but it was Lwakataka and Musazi who emerged supreme, cementing their reputation as one of the most formidable duos in the sport.
Their Bugerere triumph was a key turning point in this year’s championship race. The win earned them valuable points, pushing them into second place on the NRC leaderboard with 175 points, a narrow 12-point gap behind current leader Ronald Sebuguzi. This has intensified the title battle, with the top contenders now separated by just a handful of points as the season moves toward its climax.
Speaking after receiving the award, Lwakataka expressed gratitude to his team and supporters, emphasizing that the journey to the top has been a combination of hard work, experience, and determination. “Winning the Bugerere Rally was a special moment for us,” he said. “It reminded everyone that we are still in the fight for the championship, and this award motivates us even more for the next rounds.”
Motorsport fans are now eagerly awaiting the fifth NRC event, set to take place from 22nd to 24th August in the districts of Fort Portal and Kyenjojo. This rally is expected to be a defining moment in the season, as the western terrain could shake up the leaderboard and determine who has the upper hand heading into the final stretch of the championship.
The 2024 NRC season has already delivered thrilling action, with experienced drivers like Sebuguzi and Lwakataka going head-to-head while young challengers like Musa Ssegaabwe continue to push the limits. With only a few events left, all eyes will be on Lwakataka and Musazi to see if they can maintain their momentum, close the gap, and potentially reclaim the top spot in their quest for national glory.
And so, ladies and gentlemen… we find ourselves suspended in the drama of a sport that defies logic and celebrates the impossible. We are halfway through the 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship, and the script has torn itself up and rewritten its own tale again. Four events. Three different regions. Two dominant warriors. And one unrelenting question: Who, among these gladiators of gravel, will rise to etch their name into motorsport immortality?
Ponsiano Lwakataka has won three out of four rallies yes, three! is not even leading the championship. It is as if fate has whispered, “Not yet, my child… the story must thicken.”
Round 1: Lumala @60, Mum @90
The season kicked off with fireworks in Mbarara not the sky kind, but the gravel-flinging, engine-screaming, tyre-melting kind that only rally cars can deliver. This wasn’t just any rally; it was the traditional chaos generator, the mood-setter, the mechanical hunger games of Ugandan motorsport.,True to legend Ponsiano Lwakataka Mafu Mafu! a man not of this earth but of another rally realm entirely. With co-driver Paul Musazi, lit up the stages in their fire-breathing Subaru Impreza N12B. The duo outpaced all 37 crews, proving that Mbarara is indeed his spiritual home. Behind him, Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa quietly tiptoed into second place like two gentlemen at a wedding polite, steady, and completely drama-free. While others were doing acrobatics in banana plantations and collecting shrubs as souvenirs, Sebuguzi and Mugambwa drove like they were on a Sunday road trip no stunts, no shouting, no sparks just clean lines and quiet confidence.
Then came Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya, who muscled their way onto the podium like action movie stars arriving late to the premiere. Their heroic drive had everything: dust, near misses, and possibly a few moments that required adult diaper but hey, third place is third place!
In the 2WD class, Edward Kirumira and Monica Birwinyo took their trusty Toyota Corolla out for a spin and by “spin,” we mean they drove it so well it practically earned a diploma in rally school. Their Corolla isn’t the flashiest ride on the block, but it’s got heart, grit, and the kind of reliability that makes mechanics smile and competitors nervous. These two have been so consistent this season, It’s safe to say their Corolla runs on pure determination… and perhaps a secret Ugandan coffee blend..
CRC newbies Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba, fresh off their autocross training wheels, crashed the party in a Subaru GC8, winging it with style and snagging their first win like pros despite sometimes forgetting which pedal does what. Hey, we all start somewhere.
Round 2: The Bwera Bistro SMC Rally
Round 2 transformed the Masaka-Sembabule route into a mud wrestling championship. Slippery, sloppy, and a shoe-wrecker for sure. But for Lwakataka and Musazi, the mud was their magic potion. They slid through the slippery mess like they were born in it mud in every nook and cranny but victory in their hands.
Sebuguzi and Mugambwa kept their silver streak alive, consistent as rain in April, possibly thanks to secret rain boots blessed by a rally shaman. Musa Segaabwe and Mathias Kiyega celebrated their first NRC podium like kids who just discovered cake for breakfast.
In 2WD, Ahmed Senyonjo and Lubowa Charles glided through the mud as if it were a spa day, grabbing class honours with flair. But then the CRC class gave us a bit of drama when Ahmed Katete and Morgan Serugga grabbed their first win, proving you can rise to the top even if your car sounds like it’s auditioning for a mud-themed monster movie. Meanwhile, Kevin Bebeto showed blazing pace… until the infamous Nabugabo mud pit decided to swallow his momentum whole. Legend has it the mud pit is still laughing.
Round 3: Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally
The Pearl Rally, doubling as the second ARC round, was supposed to be a showdown but what actually showed up was pure chaos, like a family reunion where everyone forgot the seating plan. Kenyan giants stormed into Ugandan territory and, well, things got spicy. Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan emerged victorious after Samman Vohra’s Skoda Fabia R5 decided it had enough and nosedived into retirement faster than you can say “mechanic, please!” Meanwhile, Ugandan fans got hit with heartbreak like a badly aimed pothole. Lwakataka’s Subaru engine expired not once, but twice rumor has it the car was heard whispering, “Banange, I tried,” right before throwing in the towel.
Duncan Mubiru, coming back from a sabbatical probably spent binge-watching rally reruns, roared back to win the NRC class and reminded everyone he’s still in this game. Sebuguzi had a differential issue on Day 1 but somehow limped to 9th overall clearly proving that even with a wonky drivetrain, determination (and some luck) can get you far.
In the 2WD class, Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Kesh bulldozed their way to dominance, while the Kavumas returned with yet another podium because why break a streak? And in CRC, Kibande/Katumba took the win, followed by Kiggundu Sentongo/Yusuf Babu and Katete/Serugga, making it look like a well-rehearsed rally dance troupe out there.
Round 4: Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally 2025
Back in top gear, Lwakataka and Musazi put on a rallying masterclass at the Bugerere rally likefine wine, they only get better with age. They zoomed their way to victory and shot up to 2nd in the standings with 175 points just a measly 12 behind leader Sebuguzi, who’s hanging on tighter than your favorite pair of jeans after a buffet (187 pts).
Hassan Alwi Jr., returning from a break longer than your phone’s “last seen” on WhatsApp, showed up in a shiny new Ford Fiesta Proto and snagged 2nd place like he forgot how to lose. Meanwhile, Sebuguzi had fuel pump drama that would make any mechanic sweat but still clung to 3rd by sheer luck, grit, and maybe some divine intervention.
In 2WD, Samuel Watendwa and Hassan Katerega pulled off a surprise win in their trusty Toyota FX proof that sometimes, the underdogs just want it more .Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Kesh wrestled their Toyota corola through technical gremlins to claim second, while Ibrahim Lubega politely wrapped up the podium like the reliable uncle who shows up with snacks.
And then there was CRC, where Kevin Bebeto was basically the rally boss winning every single stage and leaving second-placed Odeon Tumwebaze and Hussein Mukuye 18 minutes behind. Meanwhile, Katete and Serugga kept doing their thing, snagging 3rd and comfortably sitting 2nd in the championship steady as ever, like your favorite playlist on repeat. This event however had more twists than a rally hairpin! Dr. Godfrey Nsereko rolled his Runx during the super special, while Oscar Ntambi and Pius Lugya flipped their Subaru just meters into Stage 1 Day 2 talk about making an entrance!
CRC leader Walter Kibande tried rally skiing into a swamp, cutting his lead from 30 to 13 points. Haruna Kataza and Isaac Lumu joined the party, giving that corner the new nickname: “Swamp of No Return.”
Mid-Season Standings
1.Ronald Sebuguzi 187
2.Ponsiano Lwakataka- 175
3.Musa Ssegaabwe -165.5
4.Duncan Mubiru -140
5.Didas Matsiko- 126
2WD Category
1.Mansoor Lubega – 66.5
2.Julious Semambo- 61.5
3. Edward Kirumira -60.5
CRC Category
1.Walter kibande -55
2.Ahmeed Katete-50
3.Kevin Bebeto- 42
As we thunder into Round 5 at Fort Portal, history is lurking like that nosy neighbor who never misses a thing. For almost a decade, whoever wins Mbarara magically turns into the championship’s crowned king or queen. Lwakataka won Mbarara this time but guess what? He’s never actually finished Fort Portal. Not once. That rally is basically his personal Bermuda Triangle.
Sebuguzi, on the other hand, usually survives Fort Portal kind of like your uncle at a family wedding who’s had one too many and somehow makes it to the end, wobbling but standing. Well, except that one time he rolled his Evo X at the flying finish with Leon Senyange talk about going out with a bang (and a somersault).
So, the million-dollar questions: Will Sebuguzi keep his nerves and his car intact? Can Lwakataka finally figure out Fort Portal’s secret password and make it to the finish line without turning his car into modern art? Or will some sneaky dark horse gallop out of nowhere, steal the spotlight, and leave everyone wondering what just happened?
The dust has barely settled from the recently concluded Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, but the engines are already being prepped for the next chapter in Uganda’s motorsport calendar. Kenya’s Karan Patel, alongside co-driver Tauseef Khan, delivered a commanding performance at the Pearl Rally, asserting dominance and reminding regional competitors of the high standards required to compete at the top.
Their performance left a lasting impression on both competitors and fans, setting a benchmark that many Ugandan drivers will be aiming to reach or exceed in upcoming events. The spotlight now shifts to the opening round of the FMU Sprint Championship, scheduled for June 8th at the Victoria Raceway in Garuga.
This marks the beginning of a new competitive sprint season under the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), providing a critical opportunity for drivers to rebound, sharpen their skills, and test their vehicles in a high-pressure, high-speed environment.
The Victoria Raceway, known for its technical layout and demanding surface conditions, will present a fresh challenge. With a mix of tight corners and high-speed sections, the venue is set to test both driver skill and mechanical preparation.
Entries are currently open at the FMU offices in Lugogo, and a strong turnout is expected. For many competitors, this event represents an opportunity to recover from earlier setbacks in the season or to establish momentum heading into the mid-year calendar.
In addition to the rally cars, bikes will also be part of the competition, highlighting the FMU’s continued commitment to integrating different motorsport disciplines within national events. The inclusion of motorcycles adds another level of excitement to the already fun filled day.
This sprint event will also serve as a valuable warm-up for Round 4 of the National Rally Championship (NRC), giving teams a chance to evaluate their performance and make necessary adjustments ahead of the next major rally in Jinja .
With the motorsport season gaining pace, June 8th promises to be a significant day on the calendar for fans and competitors. Garuga will be the focal point as the country’s top talent takes on the course in pursuit of glory, championship points, and the chance to prove themselves in front of an enthusiastic motorsport community.Fans are encouraged to come out and support their favorite drivers and riders as the season picks up momentum.
What started as a battle for national pride turned into a full-blown raid when Kenya’s Karan Patel and co-driver Tauseef Khan invaded Ugandan territory and stole the crown right under our noses. It was supposed to be our time to shine. Our chance to show that Uganda rules the gravel. But instead, we got schooled in our own backyard.
To be fair, the gods of rally teased us early on. Samman Vohra, the man we didn’t even know we needed, stepped up in the absence of our rally general Jas Mangat, who mysteriously vanished from duty when we needed him most. Vohra led from the word go on Friday, commanding the stages with pace in his Skoda Fabia R5. But as fate would have it, things took a turn on Saturday his car kissed the earth a little too hard, damaging critical front components and forcing him out of contention.
That was all the invitation Karan Patel needed. Like a patient hunter, he waited in the shadows, seized the moment, and bolted to the front, never looking back. The Kenyan didn’t just win. He dominated. Clean. Calculated. Cold-blooded.
Meanwhile, our very own Yasin Nasser and co-driver Ali Katumba tried to wave the Ugandan flag high. Their Ford Fiesta gave all it could, but when it came to the final stages, the car began gasping for breath. Yasin dropped to 4th overall, but salvaged some dignity with a 2nd-place NRC finish, keeping his ARC leaderboard top spot intact with 63 points.
But let’s take a moment to thank the rally gods for one man Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru. The myth. The man. The sideways king. With Joseph Kamya beside him and fire in his belly, Kikankane brought his Ford Fiesta NRC Proto into beast mode. He didn’t let the Kenyan storm sweep us completely finishing 2nd overall and proudly holding up the Ugandan banner. Imagine the shame if no Ugandan had touched the podium. Duncan didn’t let that happen.
In the shadows of the big boys, rising stars Musa Segaabwe and Mathias Kiyegga were quietly having one of their best runs until a troublesome Y-arm almost ended it all. Still, they dug deep, managing a solid 5th overall, and now proudly sit 2nd in the NRC with 132.5 points.
Peter Kalule and David Mwesigwa drove not just for points but in memory. After a heartbreaking personal loss, Peter put in a brave performance in his Subaru FX to finish 6th overall. Didas Matsiko and Joseph Bongole followed closely in 7th, with Joshua Muwanguzi putting in an impressive shift for 8th.
Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa had one of those weekends you want to forget but never will. Diff problems as early as stage 2 saw them lose valuable time. The recovery drive was strong, but the damage had been done they ended up 9th overall but snuck into 1st on the NRC standings. Not a bad outcome for a troubled ride.
Then came the entertainer Samuel “Kawunyemu” Bwette and his ever-vocal co-driver Hamza Lwanga. These two faced it all: dust, near-rolls, and full-blown chaos. Still, they found their way to 10th overall.
And speaking of warriors, Susan “Super Lady” Muwonge gave us a masterclass in resilience. After a wild run-in with a charging impala on Day 1 that left her car looking like it had been through a demolition derby, she duct-taped her way back into the rally. Then on Day 2, her car refused to start but in a moment of rare motorsport unity, fellow drivers went out of their way to help her, even sacrificing their own parts to get her back on the road. Despite power steering issues, she fought on to finish 13th overall and 11th in NRC. A true champion.
On the flip side, things fell apart early for Ponsiano Lwakataka and Paul Musazi. Their engine gave up in Stage 3. They rebuilt it overnight and attempted a comeback, only for the car to quit again en route to the morning service. A brutal weekend.
In 2WD, it was Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Kesh who laid down the law. They bossed the class in their Toyota Corolla, finishing 1st in class, 11th overall, and 10th NRC finisher. Ibrahim Lubeha and Kanakulya Moustapha, back after a long break, were reminded that rally time waits for no one they finished 2nd in class, 14th overall. Amir and Kenneth Kavuma took 3rd in class in their WRX.
Then came the heat in the CRC class. Kevin Bebeto was leading until disaster struck in the penultimate stage. A failed fan fried his engine, and just like that, dreams vanished. Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba, dreadlocks and all, picked up the pieces and secured CRC class victory, stretching their championship lead. Kiggundu Sentongo and Yusuf Babu overcame technical issues to finish 2nd, while Ahmed Kateete and Morgan Serugga clawed their way to 3rd after a rough Day 1. Odeon Tumwebaze and Hussein Mukuye capped off the class in 4th with their Toyota Altezza.
The Bwera SMC Rally 2025 is pregnant and ready to burst onto the motorsport scene, promising an exhilarating weekend from April 4th to 6th in the greater Masaka region. As the second round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (UNRC), the event follows the recently concluded MPU Mbarara Rally, which saw Ponsiano Lwakataka and Paul Musazi claim victory.
Entries for the event officially opened on March 3rd and will close on March 29th. Anticipation is already building as crews gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested rally. The rally will commence in Masaka on Day 1, featuring three stages and a thrilling super special stage at Nabugabo sand beach, where fans will get the chance to witness two cars racing side by side. Day 2 will extend the action through Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, and Sembabule, presenting a mix of fast straights and technical sections.
Among the notable crews who have already confirmed their participation is Ronald Ssebuguzi, who will be co-driven by Anthony Mugambwa in their Ford Fiesta Proto. The Mbarara Rally winners, Ponsiano Lwakataka and Paul Musazi, will also be in the mix, determined to secure maximum points and maintain their lead in the championship standings.
Dr. Moustapha Mukasa has entered the rally with his Mitsubishi Evo 9, looking to redeem himself after failing to complete the opening round in Mbarara. Also in the lineup are Peter Kalule and David Mwesigwa, who will be taking on the competition in their Subaru XV. Additionally, Ibrahim Lubega is set to make his return to the championship after missing the first round among many others.
With the championship battle heating up, the Bwera SMC Rally promises to deliver intense competition, breathtaking action, and unforgettable moments for both drivers and fans. As the countdown to April 4th begins, all eyes will be on Masaka to witness the next chapter of the 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship unfold.
Last weekend, Southern Motor Club (SMC) held its Elective General Assembly at Viga Sports Bar on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The assembly saw members vote for key leadership positions to steer the club forward, with a strong focus on continued growth and improvement of motorsports in the region.
Mayanja Godfrey secured a second term in office as the president of the club, reaffirming his commitment to furthering the development of motorsports within the club. His reelection was met with great enthusiasm from club members, who praised his leadership during his first term. Mayanja has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives aimed at strengthening the club’s presence in the national motorsport scene, including talent development programs, enhanced safety regulations, and securing sponsorships for club events.
Speaking after his reelection, Mayanja expressed gratitude to the members for their trust and confidence in his leadership. “I am honored to continue serving as president of this great club. Over the past term, we have made significant strides in growing motorsport in our region, and I am committed to building on this progress. Our focus will be on nurturing young talent, improving event organization, and ensuring the highest safety standards. Together, we will take Southern Motor Club to new heights,” he stated.
Joining him in leadership, Sendagire Sharif was elected as the vice president, bringing fresh energy and strategic vision to the executive team. Shafiq has previously served in various capacities within the club and is known for his dedication to grassroots motorsport development, particularly in supporting young and upcoming drivers.
Henry Rowland Lukyamuzi took on the role of General Secretary, ensuring that the administrative functions of the club are well managed. His vast experience in motorsport administration is expected to streamline club operations and improve communication between members and governing bodies. Assisting him in this role is Kawoya Geofrey, who was appointed as the Assistant General Secretary, reinforcing the administrative backbone of the club.
The Competitions Committee welcomed two key figures: George Semakula, who will oversee motorcycling, and Jamil Lubwama Mucakaze, who will focus on motor rallying events. Their election is expected to enhance the club’s competitive activities, ensuring well-organized and high-standard rally and motorcycling competitions that attract top talent from across the country.
To enhance safety measures within the club’s activities, members voted for Frank Katogo as the new Safety Officer. Katoogo has a solid background in motorsport safety and is set to introduce new safety protocols, ensuring that both participants and spectators enjoy events under the highest safety standards. Additionally, Musoke Lucky Mabirizi was elected as the Environment Officer, reflecting the club’s growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in motorsports. Lucky aims at promoting proper waste management at rally venues.
The executive committee also welcomed Ssemanda Eddy and Lailah Buyego as its newest members, further strengthening the leadership team with their expertise and passion for the sport. Their inclusion is expected to bring new perspectives and dynamic approaches to club management.
With the new leadership in place, Southern Motor Club looks forward to an exciting year of growth, innovation, and successful motorsport events. The club remains committed to fostering talent, improving event organization, and ensuring high standards of competition within Uganda’s motorsport fraternity. Members expressed optimism about the future of the club and are eager to see the newly elected officials deliver on their promises and take Southern Motor Club to greater heights.
Southern Motor Club (SMC) is set to hold its elective general assembly on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Viga Sports Lounge. This crucial exercise, last conducted two years ago, will determine the club’s leadership for the next term.
The incumbent president, Godfrey, has declared his intention to seek a second term in office, aiming to continue his leadership and further the club’s development in the motorsport community. His bid will be closely watched as members evaluate his tenure and vision for the future.
For the position of General Secretary, Rowland Lukyamuzi has picked nomination forms, signaling his interest in the administrative role. Jeff Kawooya has also thrown his hat in the ring for the position of Assistant General Secretary, hoping to contribute to the club’s organizational structure.
Meanwhile, Semakula George William and Jamil have expressed interest in serving as CC Secretaries, key roles that oversee competition matters within the club. Additionally, Eddie Semanda has joined the race as a Committee Member, aiming to be part of the team steering the club forward.
As the nomination window remains open, more contenders may emerge before the final list is confirmed. Club members and stakeholders eagerly await the assembly, which is expected to shape the future of Southern Motor Club as it continues to promote motorsport excellence in the region.
The elections at Viga Sports Lounge will not only bring leadership changes but also set the stage for the club’s strategic direction in the coming years. Club members will be keen to see how the elected leaders will drive the club’s growth, competition standards, and overall impact on the sport.
