Ponsiano Lwakataka Proves Unstoppable at Lumala@60 Mum@90 Birthday Rally
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The Lumala@60 Mum@90 Birthday Rally last weekend in Mbarara was nothing short of electrifying as Ponsiano Lwakataka and his co-driver Paul Musazi, in their famed Subaru Impreza “Musota,” laid waste to their competition with a breathtaking performance. Organized by MPU Club and backed by rally legend Moses Lumala, the opening round of the Uganda National Rally Championship attracted 37 entries, including Rwandan duo of Adolphe Nshimizimana and Regis Remera in a Subaru Impreza N10.
From the green light, Lwakataka proved why he’s nicknamed “Mafu Mafu,” clocking a blistering 1:12:59 to finish first overall. The pair triumphed in two out of seven stages, beating seasoned rivals Ronald Sebuguzi (Ford Fiesta Proto) and Yassin Nasser (Ford Fiesta R5), who placed second and fourth, respectively. Ronald Sebuguzi and co-driver Anthony Mugambwa claimed second place in 1:15:34, while Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya happily secured third with a time of 1:16:26.
Drama ensued in the 30-kilometer Lumala stage when Yassin Nasser’s Ford Fiesta R5 developed a power steering issue, leaving him wrestling with the steering wheel like a bodybuilder on steroids. The malfunction threw away his lead, relegating him to fourth. Someone should’ve told his service crew: “It’s a rally, not arm day at the gym!”
In Division 1, Michael Mukula Jr. and Siraj Kyambade laughed in the face of a 4-minute, 50-second penalty, roaring to victory with a time of 1:23:11 in their Subaru Impreza N14. Aine Sodo and Asuman Mohammed weren’t far behind in their Mitsubishi Evo X, clocking 1:23:30 just 19 seconds adrift! Dr. Godfrey Nsereko and JB Musisi, meanwhile, had to make peace with third place, driving their Toyota RunX to a time of 1:38:53.
Musa Segaabwe and co-driver Mathias Kiyegga had fans on the edge of their seats in Division 2. Their Mitsubishi Evo 9 nearly kissed the ground in a near-roll during the opening stage, but the crew lived to fight another day. Restarting in the super special stage, they stormed to victory Ssegaabwe described the moment as “a free trial of life flashing before my eyes.”. Hajji Amir Kavuma and Kenneth Kavuma claimed second in their Subaru Impreza Hatchback (1:34:07), while Mansoor Lubega and Doreen Nabirah rounded off the podium in their Toyota Corolla (1:37:19). One spectator joked, “Segaabwe doesn’t drive the car; he argues with it, and somehow it listens!”
The 2WD category saw Stabex-sponsored Edward Kirumira and Monica Birwinyo dominate in their Toyota Corolla, clocking 1:31:38. Hajji Amir Kavuma, riding high on his best-ever performance, took second (1:34:07), while Julius Semambo and Jafari Lukenge clinched third in their Toyota Sprinter (1:35:54)..
The CRC category belonged to Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba in their Subaru Impreza GC8, who finished in a flawless 54:29.5. Following were Ssentongo Kiggundu and Yusuf Babu (57:28.4) and the Mbarara-based crew of Topher Katera and Noordin Bilal (1:01:04).
Young talent Kevin Bebeto, with co-driver Mwambazi Lawrence, hit a bump literally in the first stage, damaging their Subaru N10’s suspension. Despite the setback, they managed to finish fourth, proving resilience is key in motorsport.
The rally wasn’t without its casualties. Peter Kalule had a near-roll in the power stage, leaving his car looking like it had gone through a blender. Sadat Negomba wasn’t any luckier, rolling his Toyota FX mere meters from the finish.
The Lumala@60 Mum@90 Birthday Rally delivered everything rally fans dream of speed, skill, and sheer unpredictability. With Ponsiano Lwakataka’s dominant start, the 2025 UNRC season promises to be a thrill ride.
As Lwakataka himself declared, “This snake’s just getting started. Bring on the next rally!”
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