Blog

It has been a day filled with action, dust, and drama in the 6th round of the National Rally Championship  the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025. From the first flag-off, it was clear that the rally gods had come hungry for stories, and boy, did they serve!

The day began on a promising note for Southern Motor Club’s (SMC) seasoned driver Ponsiano Lwakataka, who was right in the mix with Ronald Sebuguzi for top honors. Lwakataka stormed through the opening stage with intent, finishing 4th overall, and fans could smell a podium fight brewing. But just as the momentum built up, disaster struck. In the second stage, his Subaru N12 veered off the road and suffered severe damage  a heartbreak moment that left his championship hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads.

In true Lwakataka spirit, however, quitting is not part of the vocabulary. The veteran has since managed to fix his car and has vowed to return stronger tomorrow, hoping that Sebuguzi, his main rival, might falter and give him a lifeline in the title chase.

But while Lwakataka’s rally took an unfortunate twist, SMC’s flag continues to fly high through Peter Kalule and David Mwesigwa, who are putting up a spirited fight. The duo currently sit 4th overall, just behind Sebuguzi and ahead of Aine Sodo, who holds 5th position after a consistent display.

Further down the leaderboard, Faizal Kayira, co-driven by Prosperous Namara in a Subaru GC8, occupies 15th overall after a steady day behind the wheel.

In the 2WD class, SMC’s Julious “Mukalo” Semambo and Jaffer Lukenge are proving once again why they are among the most entertaining crews in the division. The pair currently lie 2nd, right behind the in-form Mansoor Lubega, who dominated most of the day. However, Semambo snatched a sweet stage win in the second loop of the Super Special Stage a clear statement that he’s not backing down without a fight.

As Day 1 comes to an end, the battle lines have been drawn. The rivalry between Mansoor Lubega and Julious Semambo in 2WD promises fireworks tomorrow, while fans wait to see if Lwakataka’s overnight repairs will yield a heroic comeback.

The sixth round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025, is set to take place this weekend in Gulu District. The event is expected to play a decisive role in determining the champions across all categories NRC, 2WD, and CRC as the season draws closer to its conclusion.

With five rounds completed and only two remaining, the championship battle remains tight. Ronald Sebuguzi and co-driver Anthony Mugambwa currently lead the NRC standings with 241 points, maintaining their advantage through consistency rather than outright wins. Despite not securing a single event victory this season, Sebuguzi’s steady performance has kept him at the top.

Close behind is Ponsiano Lwakataka, who has dominated the season with four wins out of five events, accumulating 235 points. Together with co-driver Paul Musazi, the pair will be competing in Gulu for the first time, determined to close the gap and potentially take the championship lead.

In third place is the young crew of Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyegga with 207.5 points. The crew, competing in their debut NRC season after winning last year’s CRC title, has impressed with their consistent finishes. They are already preparing for an exciting 2026 season where they plan to unveil a new N5-spec car.

Further down the standings, Aine Sodo lies fourth with 140.5 points, Duncan Mubiru fifth with 138 points, and Michael Mukula sixth with 131 points, although Mukula will not participate in this event.

The rally will take place on Friday and Saturday, a shift from the traditional Saturday-Sunday format. The schedule has been adjusted to align with the Gulu City Carnival, where the rally will serve as a major highlight of the weekend festivities.

This year’s stages will follow routes similar to those used in 2024, with a few modifications. The familiarity of the terrain is expected to result in higher speeds and tighter competition as drivers aim to maximize points in the final stretch of the season.

The 2WD Championship remains one of the closest contests this year, with only 1.5 points separating the top two crews. Julious Semambo and Jaffer Lukenge currently lead the class with 86.5 points, followed closely by Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Roald with 85 points.

Both crews head into Gulu with a clear objective  to secure victory and strengthen their title chances. In third place is Haji Amir Kavuma (65.5 points), followed by Edward Kirumira (60.5 points), Ibrahim Lubega (52.5 points), and Haji Senyonjo (33 points). Last year’s 2WD champion, Ibrahim Lubega, will be looking to bounce back after a challenging season.

The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) continues to showcase emerging talent. Leading the standings is Walter Kibande alongside Rasta Farian codriver Duncan Katumba, with 75 points. The pair have displayed remarkable consistency, maintaining their position at the top since the season began.

In second place are Ahmed Kateete and Morgan Serugga with 60 points, while Kevin Bebeeto and Siraj Kyambade are third with 57 points. Bebeeto, who has shown great promise this season, remains optimistic about closing the gap in the remaining rounds. The CRC title race is still open, and the Gulu round will play a significant role in shaping the final standings.

A total of 27 crews have confirmed their entries for the rally, featuring both championship contenders and strong independent competitors. Among them are notable names such as Duncan Mubiru, Omar Dauda, and Oscar Ntambi, who are all expected to add depth and excitement to the event.

From a long season of highs and heartbreaks, the African Rally Championship now boils down to one weekend, one rally, and two rival crews. By sunset on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the continent will crown a new champion.

The contenders? Uganda’s pride, Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba, versus Kenya’s rising force, Samman Vohra and Drew Sturrock. It’s East Africa’s ultimate showdown, and the battleground is none other than Tanzania’s Mkwawa Rally.

The route stretches 326.44 kilometers, a mix of 181.59 km competitive stages and 144.85 km liaison, designed to punish both man and machine. The Serengeti stageat29.15 km the longest of the rally will be repeated three times, while the shortest, the 11.91 km Kilimanjaro stage, is also set to feature three times.

Action begins this evening at 16:06 with the 4.70 km Mkwawa qualifying stage, which will decide start order. Saturday promises to be the war zone, with six brutal stages in store, before Sunday’s three-stage dash to the finish.

While all eyes are fixed on Nasser and Vohra, a handful of determined challengers are ready to disrupt the script. But make no mistake this fight is personal. For Nasser and Katumba, victory would mark a historic first African title for Uganda. For Vohra and Sturrock, it’s a chance to seize Kenya’s next great rallying chapter.

The tension is thick, the engines are primed, and the dust is about to rise. Africa’s motorsport destiny will be written in Tanzania and only one crew will stand tallest.

“And here he comes… Samuel Watendwa! The man who turned a Toyota FX into a legend, who made a humble machine roar against giants, who now stands at the gates of destiny…”

If ever there was a perfect introduction for Samuel Watendwa, it would be ahead of the much-anticipated fundraising sprint on 21st September 2025 at Festino Cite Racing Track in Mukono. His journey is more than racing it is a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering belief.

For over a decade, Watendwa has been a familiar name in Uganda’s motorsport circles. His commitment, consistency, and drive have earned him the admiration of fans and respect of fellow competitors. On the 21st of September, Mukono will host a dual-purpose event the 2nd Round of the National Sprint Championship and a grand fundraising drive to help Watendwa acquire the rally car of his dreams, a Subaru Impreza N14.

Watendwa began his rally career in 2013 with a Toyota Celica 185. Two years later, he upgraded to a Toyota Corona single door before settling into the Toyota FX that has since defined his legacy. For nine years, that FX has carried him through challenges, victories, and unforgettable moments. Alongside co-driver Steven Bunya, Watendwa achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the 2019 WD Championship, proving that determination can overcome limitations.

Yet, every motorsport fan knows the reality Watendwa has been competing with a machine far past its prime. His Toyota FX, though iconic, has been outmatched by modern rally cars, making his achievements even more extraordinary. The time has now come for him to step into the next chapter, and that chapter is written in the shape of a Subaru Impreza N14 a car that will give him the platform to fully showcase his talent.

The upcoming sprint in Mukono is more than a race. It is an opportunity for fans, fellow drivers, and the wider motorsport community to rally together in support of one of their own. It is a call to invest in potential, to recognize a driver whose determination has inspired many, and to help him transition from battling against the odds to competing on equal ground.

When Samuel Watendwa finally sits behind the wheel of a Subaru N14, it will not only mark a personal triumph but also a defining moment for Ugandan rallying. The engines will roar louder, the stages will thrill even more, and the legacy of one of the sport’s most resilient drivers will continue to grow.

After 26 long years, it finally looks like it might be coming home. With just days to go before the fifth and final round of the 2025 African Rally Championship (ARC) in Morogoro, Tanzania, Ugandan hopes are sky-high. Leading the charge is none other than Uganda’s dynamic duo Yasin Nasser and co-driver Ali Katumba  who remain at the top of the championship standings.

Preparations at the Moil Rally Team camp are in overdrive, with every nut and bolt being checked, every plan tightened, and no stone left unturned. The mission is clear: bring the African crown back to Uganda for the first time since the late Charles Muhangi’s legendary 1999 triumph in the Subaru Impreza famously nicknamed Ekitaguriro.

For Nasser, the mathematics are simple but demanding   a first or second-place finish in Morogoro will secure him the continental title. Yet, as every rally fan knows, nothing is ever guaranteed in motorsport. Standing in his way are strong challengers: Kenya’s Karan Patel (if he makes the start after missing the previous round in Burundi) and fellow Kenyan Samman Vohra, who has shown blistering pace this season. There’s also the improving Ahmed Huwel, fresh from an upgrade to a Toyota Yaris, though his threat is considered less immediate.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere among Ugandan rally fans is reaching fever pitch. From Kampala to Arua, from Jinja to Masaka, buses are being booked and pockets are being emptied as passionate supporters prepare to descend on Tanzania in a sea of black, yellow, and red. For them, it’s more than just a rally  it’s history in the making.

Should Yasin Nasser hold his nerve and steer his machine across the finish line in Morogoro within the top two, Uganda will celebrate its first African Rally Championship crown of the millennium. After two decades of waiting, the dream is alive, and the nation is ready.

This time, it just might be coming home.

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.

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.”

.