Ugandan Motorsport Stars Set for International Glory
By Mwambazi Lawrence
And so, whatever time of day or night, however your rally-day adrenaline surges whether in Arusha, Lusaka, Kigali, or Kampala welcome to Kenya on its wildest days. It’s the Safari Rally! Buckle up, folks, because our Ugandan motorsport warriors have been entrusted with the national flag and sent forth to battle the elements, the machines, and perhaps a few rogue zebras along the way!
Earlier today, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) officials, in the noble company of National Council of Sports (NCS) representatives, waved off three Ugandan motorsport representatives, dispatching them to two international events. In one corner, we have motocross queen Sharifah Kateete, revving up for the FIM Oceania Women’s MX Cup in Australia. In the other, rally aces Yasin Nasser and Timothy Gawaya are off to Kenya for the legendary WRC Safari Rally. If you were hoping for a weekend of peaceful motorsport, think again March 21st to 23rd is going to be an all-out speed fest!
Sharifah Kateete, who will be flying the Ugandan spirit under a Kenyan license (yes, we’re as confused as you are, but hey motorsport politics!), joins an elite squad of six African female motocross warriors. Among her battle-hardened comrades are Zambia’s Leah Heygate and a trio of South African daredevils Mienke Cawood, Zoe Botha, and Ivana Venter plus Kenya’s own Atete Benzinge. These ladies earned their golden tickets thanks to their stellar performances at last year’s Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) in Morocco.
Clearly thrilled about the opportunity, Kateete couldn’t contain her excitement: “I’m so happy to be part of this team! This is my chance to inspire fellow Ugandan lady riders and show them that the sky’s the limit. I’m ready to make the machine roar!”Kateete’s journey doesn’t just end at the airport. She’s first heading to South Africa for some rigorous training before jetting off to Australia. Talk about a world tour!
While Kateete prepares to conquer the Aussie dirt, Yasin Nasser and Timothy Gawaya are gearing up for a familiar battlefield the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya. For Yasin, the 2019 and 2023 Uganda National Rally Champion, this event is both a challenge and a redemption mission.
“It’s always a dream to turn a hobby into a legacy,” said Yasin. “Since 2019, when we started collecting Ugandan championship points, we knew the sky was the limit. We never imagined that one day, we’d be competing in a WRC event on African soil!”
Yasin’s previous Safari Rally adventures haven’t exactly been smooth sailing more like rough rolling. Last year, he faced a gut-wrenching exit in SS7, Kedong stage, when his Ford Fiesta Rally2 spectacularly flipped. The heartbreak was real, but like any true warrior, he’s returning stronger, wiser, and with hopefully a few more seat belts tightened.
“This time, it’s different. We’ve prepared to enjoy ourselves properly. It’s going to be a tough one, but we’ve learned from our past mistakes, and we’re ready to raise the Ugandan flag high!” he added.
While Yasin brings experience to the Safari Rally, his compatriot Timothy Gawaya is looking to make a name for himself on the international stage. As one of Uganda’s promising rally drivers, Gawaya’s participation in the WRC Safari Rally is a stepping stone toward competing in more global events. “This is my chance to prove myself among the best,” Gawaya said. “Competing in a WRC event is no joke, but I’m ready to push my limits.”
With engines primed, spirits high, and adrenaline levels off the charts, our Ugandan representatives are set to make history. Whether it’s roaring through the rugged terrains of Kenya or flying over Australian jumps, the only certainty is this motorsport fans are in for one heck of a ride!
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