Velocity Vortex: The Super Lady Susan Muwonge Racing Chronicle
By Mwambazi Lawrence
In the heart-pounding world of Ugandan motorsport, there emerges a legend, a force to be reckoned with Susan Muwonge, also known as Superlady. Born on the 14th of January to Mr Kitonsa Fred and the late Namukasa Regina, Susan’s life story is a thrilling saga of speed, triumph, and unyielding determination that has captivated audiences across the nation.
From the dusty corridors of St Mary’s Primary School to the adrenaline-fueled tracks of rally championships, Susan’s journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. A graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Makerere University and a Bachelor of Education from Kyambogo, Susan and her partner-in-crime, Mr Lawrence Muwonge, took the plunge into the education sector, founding St Francis Junior School in Buddo, Wakiso District.
However, it’s not the classroom that defines Susan; it’s the roaring engines, screeching tires, and the smell of burning rubber that fuel her passion. Inspired by fearless lady drivers like Rose Namayanja, Susan acquired her first rally car, a Mitsubishi Evo2 once driven by the legendary Jamil Senyonjo. The stage was set for Superlady’s debut, and in 2005, she unleashed her racing prowess in the Rakai Development Rally organized by the Southern Motor Club.
Shockwaves rippled through the motorsport community as Susan, in her maiden rally, defied all odds, finishing a jaw-dropping 6th. The spark was lit, and a star was born – one that even Susan, in her wildest dreams, didn’t anticipate would become the fastest female driver on the continent.
A vehicular chameleon, Susan upgraded to a Subaru N4 in 2007, marking the beginning of her relentless ascent. The CRC Championship witnessed Susan’s indomitable spirit when she rolled her Subaru N4 in Katigondo at the FF, her impassioned cries of “my husband, my husband” adding a dramatic twist to her racing saga.
The year 2010 saw a monumental shift as Susan acquired a Subaru N10 from none other than Emma Katto. Little did she know that this beast of a machine would catapult her to greatness. The 2011 NRC Championship became a battleground, and Susan emerged as the first-ever female champion in Uganda, defeating the formidable Ponsiano Lwakataka in the 300km Independence Rally. The racing world stood still, realizing that a lion-hearted lady had stormed the male-dominated arena.
But Susan’s victories were not just personal triumphs; they were seismic shifts that reverberated across the motorsport landscape. Her success and unbridled passion lured more women into the adrenaline-fueled world of rally racing. Navigators like Mildred Kibuuka, Rahma Mohammed, and Mariam Nambasa joined the fray, while others embraced roles as marshals, transforming the once male-dominated fraternity.
In 2013, Susan went global, acquiring a Subaru Impreza N12 from Zambian champion Mohammed Essa after intensive training sessions in Zambia. This acquisition set the stage for Susan’s glorious exploits, turning her into a formidable force not just in Uganda but on the international stage.
Fast forward to 2018, and Susan’s second championship victory was a blaze of glory. The Oryx Mosac Rally in Mbale became the battleground where Susan, steering her Subaru N12 alongside her trusted navigator Edmon Kyeyune, conquered a field of 17 crews that finished. It was a victory attributed to divine grace, meticulous planning, and the unwavering support of her loving partner, Mr Lawrence Muwonge.
The Susan and Edmon partnership defied the transient nature of motorsport alliances, standing strong amid the challenges. In the world of speed demons, where alliances crumble like burnt rubber, this duo has become synonymous with resilience and unwavering determination.
This second championship thrust Susan into the pantheon of motorsport legends, standing shoulder to shoulder with Moses Lumala and Ponsiano Lwakataka. The Iron Lady’s roar echoed across the tracks, inspiring generations and leaving an indelible mark on the racing world.
As Susan celebrates her birthday today, we raise our glasses to the adrenaline queen, the trailblazer, the Iron Lady who shattered glass ceilings, conquered tracks, and left an enduring legacy in her tire marks. Happy birthday, Susan Muwonge
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