Four-time national rally champion Ponsiano Lwakataka has called on the government to invest more in motorsport, saying greater support would help young Ugandans develop their talent and create more opportunities in the industry.
Lwakataka made the call while speaking to journalists during a fundraising campaign to help him acquire a new Volkswagen Proto rally car ahead of the Garuga Sprint scheduled for September 20 at Tories Gardens in Kitende, Wakiso.
The veteran driver, popularly known as Mafumafu, said he had relied heavily on his fans and sponsors throughout his long career because of what he described as limited government support for motorsport.
“I want to thank my fans and sponsors who have always stood with me because I know government has failed to support our sport. That is the very reason I keep in touch with my fans who have made me who I am,” Lwakataka said.
He said government support for motorsport would not only benefit established drivers but also help identify and nurture young talent. He also argued that the sport contributes to tourism by attracting both Ugandan and foreign visitors to competitions.
Lwakataka expressed disappointment that leaders from his home area in Masaka had not done enough to lobby for greater support for motorsport.
He said political leaders should recognise the ability of the sport to bring people together and contribute to domestic tourism.
The veteran driver also urged young rally competitors to remain humble and focused on developing their skills, warning them not to be distracted by the wealth associated with some participants in the sport.
He recalled instances when his fans stepped in to support his racing career, including providing fuel worth about Shs3m at a time when he was competing for the National Rally Championship.
Lwakataka said such support played an important role in helping him win the 2022 National Rally Championship.
He also recalled his earlier success in the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, where he said he won while driving a car built in Katwe, Kampala, against competitors using vehicles prepared abroad. [WATCH VIDEO]
Lwakataka welcomed the decision by the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda to organise a fundraising rally to support his efforts to acquire the Volkswagen Proto.
Reynold Kibira, the secretary general of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda, praised Lwakataka for mentoring young drivers and contributing to the growth of motorsport in Uganda.
Kibira said Lwakataka’s experience remained valuable to the sport and expressed disappointment that the veteran driver had considered retiring.
“I had not welcomed the early retirement of Ponsiano Lwakataka from motorsport because of his previous record, which can help mentor new young rally sportsmen and women,” Kibira said.
He also urged fans and well-wishers to support young and upcoming drivers by creating platforms that can help them meet some of their education and training costs.
Godfrey Mayanja, the president of Southern Motor Club, urged motorsport fans to attend the Garuga event and support the fundraising campaign.
He said early-bird tickets would cost Shs5,000 through MTN MoMo, while those paying at the entrance would pay Shs10,000. He also said customers making the relevant transactions through MTN MoMo would receive a 10% discount.
Mayanja urged fans to keep their tickets until the event day.
George Semakula Katende, the clerk of the course for the event, said vehicle inspections would be conducted on the day of the competition alongside motorcycle racing.
He promised fans an exciting programme featuring both rally cars and motorcycles.
Several other drivers are expected to participate in the event, including Rose Lwakataka, Doreen Asiimwe and Susan Muwonge.
Abdunasser Kafeero, the manager of Lwakataka at Ramo Motors, welcomed the driver’s return to competitive motorsport and said his 25 years of experience would give him an advantage over his competitors.
Kafeero expressed confidence that Lwakataka could win the event, citing his experience and knowledge of rallying.
Tories Gardens also pledged continued support for Lwakataka, saying the rally driver had helped the venue achieve success in different competitions over the years.
Bantu Africa Travel Limited, one of the sponsors of the event, also praised Lwakataka for his experience and contribution to promoting Uganda as a tourism destination.
The company said motorsport has the potential to attract both local and international tourists when well promoted and organised.
Lwakataka is one of Uganda’s best-known rally drivers and has been a major figure in the country’s motorsport scene for more than two decades. He won the National Rally Championship in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2022.
His rivalry with fellow driver Ronald Sebuguzi helped revive public interest in Ugandan rallying and brought many fans back to the sport.
