Samuel Bwette Returns to Rallying with a Vengeance
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Just when we thought some Ugandan rally drivers were settling into early retirement with evening tea and tales of past glories, Samuel Bwette, better known as Kawunyemu of the Kawunyemu Rally Team, has decided that peace and quiet aren’t for him. Bwette is making a sensational return to the rally scene, and he is doing so with a vengeance.
Returning driver Samuel Bwette is ready to take on the challenge once again.
Bwette’s comeback isn’t just your usual “let’s give it another go” type of return he’s rolling back in style with a Subaru Impreza N14,, a machine originally owned by Don Smith the 2016 African Rally Champion but most recently in the hands of Asad Anwar who did his part in keeping it fast and furious.. The car has now been acquired by Bwette and he is bringing it home like a long-lost son, expected to land in Uganda soon after the WRC Safari Rally and lets say If the car had feelings, it would probably be thinking, “Ah, another Ugandan adventure! Let’s see if I survive this one.”. The return is not just symbolic; Bwette himself will be picking up the car and will debut it during the highly anticipated Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2025, scheduled for May in Mbarara.
The 2016 African Rally Championship winning Subaru Impreza N14 .
Bwette first hit the rally scene in 2016 with a Subaru Impreza N8, before moving up to a Mitsubishi Evo 9 in 2018. The Evo 9? Let’s just say it didn’t love him as much as he loved it. Out of all their adventures together, only two rallies ended with them still on speaking terms ,the 2019 CMC Mukono Rally and the 2022 MMC Mbarara Rally where he finished a solid 7th place in both. After a brief love-hate relationship with rallying and possibly bills that looked like wedding budgets, Bwette quietly stepped away. His last local race was the UMC Fort Portal Rally 2022, with an international send off at the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.This year, Bwette is back and determined to pick up from where he left off, reigniting the passion of his fans and proving his mettle on the racing circuit.
Formarly piloted by Samuel Bwette, the Evo9 that once tore through the rally stages.
The return of Kawunyemu Rally Team is a much-needed boost to the sport, bringing back the energy and vibrancy that the team’s fans are known for. Their presence had been missed, but with Bwette’s return, rallying in Uganda will undoubtedly feel alive again. KRT fans can already be heard dusting off their rally flags and stretching their vocal cords for the screaming sessions ahead. (Mad rat & Chico)
The energy wasn’t the same without them, Some of the Kawunyemu Rally Team fans that brought the passion, the noise and the vibe.
Meanwhile, Ugandan rally fans can expect more thrilling developments in the coming weeks. Duncan Mubiru and Moses Lumala are set to receive their Ford Fiesta Proto machines early next week, just in time for the upcoming SMC Challenge Rally. This event is slated for the first weekend of April and will take place in the greater Masaka area and Sembabule district. Additionally, Hassan Alwi Jr is also set to unveil a surprise new rally car, which is expected to arrive in March. While details of the car remain under wraps, it is confirmed that the new machine will make its debut at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in Mbarara.
With all these exciting comebacks the 2025 rally season is already shaping up to be competitive and thrilling.The return of seasoned drivers and the arrival of top-tier machinery are sure to elevate Ugandan motorsport to new heights, giving fans an electrifying year to look forward to.
About The Author
Bwette can still make it sound,,,,,well be back ssebo, ,,mukono industrial area TUKULINZE PAPA