Health scare behind him, Ratib sets sights on Bugerere Rally podium

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Nasser Ratib, a seasoned rally driver and accomplished electrical engineer, is set to make a triumphant return to the sport after a year-long hiatus brought on by a life-threatening health scare.

During the thrilling 2023 EMC Kyabazinga Rally, Ratib was leading a fiercely competitive field, which included notable drivers like Ibrahim Lubega Pasuwa and Julius Ssemambo. However, his promising campaign was abruptly cut short when he suffered a heart attack during the final stage of Day Two, collapsing into a coma.

He was immediately rushed to Nile International Hospital for emergency care. After initial treatment, he was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital and subsequently to Our Lady of Consolata-Kisubi Hospital, where a team of dedicated medical professionals worked tirelessly to save his life.

Doctors diagnosed a semi-blocked left artery, necessitating a critical operation. Ratib was told he could not return to rallying until he received full medical clearance.

What followed was a year of treatment and rehabilitation. Ratib was forced to re-evaluate his relationship with the sport and prioritise his recovery. The journey was marked by resilience and a deep desire to return to the wheel.

That desire was fulfilled in February this year when his doctors finally gave him the green light to resume rallying. Overjoyed, Ratib rejoined the sport at the 2025 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in May, held in the scenic landscapes of Nyabushozi and Rwempogo across the districts of Kiruhura and Mbarara.

Although he incurred a 30-minute penalty due to a navigation error by his co-driver, Sadat Lukwago, Ratib’s determination remained unwavering. The setback was a learning opportunity, prompting him to reassess his approach and recruit seasoned navigator Moustapha Kanaakulya for his next race.

Ratib is now preparing for the Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally, set to take place July 11–12, 2025, across four districts: Jinja, Iganga, Kayunga, and Buikwe. Behind the wheel of his Toyota Corolla FX, Ratib aims for a podium finish in a field of 45 skilled drivers.

Expressing gratitude to his doctors, supporters, and the Almighty, Ratib said: "I'm so grateful to God who saved my life, doctors who did professional work to see that I get back to my feet and all the well-wishers who carried me to the hospital. I have the audacity to inform my staunch fans, the management of Pasuwa rally team, that I'm back with vigour to compete with no health conditions and surely, I must win this Bugerere EMC rally, God willing."

Ratib draws inspiration from fellow rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka, whose driving prowess and determination have long been a benchmark. "Lwakataka is my inspirational driver. I always marvel at how he does rally, the skills and the determination, and he has won championships. I'm looking forward to doing beyond Lwakataka, till death do us part with rallying," Ratib added.

As competition heats up, Ratib faces off against top contenders. His team manager, Pasuwa’s Edward Kirumira, currently leads the two-wheel drive category with 52 points, closely followed by Mansoor Lubega (51.5 points), Amiri Kavuma (42 points), and Julius Ssemambo (33 points), among others.

With his sights set on the championship, Ratib’s comeback promises to be a thrilling chapter in Uganda’s motorsport story. The Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally is shaping up to be an event to watch, an inspiring testament to resilience, passion, and competitive spirit.

Who is Nasser Ratib?

Born in Bugoma-Bugobero village near the Kenya-Uganda border region known as Lwakhakha, Ratib began his education at Bugoma-Bugobero Primary School. He later attended Seeta High School for both O- and A-levels before pursuing a diploma in electrical engineering at the UPDF military college. He went on to earn a higher diploma from Kyambogo University and a bachelor's degree from Makerere University.

Ratib began his motorsport career in 2019 with autocross, where he won his first event. He progressed to the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) in 2021 and now competes in the two-wheel drive category.