How Lwakataka clinched a historic 5th Mbarara Rally title

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Mbarara Rally Top Five

Ponsiano Lwakataka/Paul Musaazi 1:12:59.4

Ronald Ssebuguzi/Antony Mugambwa 1:15:7.3497

Nasser Mutebi/Stephen Bunya 1:16:26.0

Yasin Nasser/Ali Katumba 1:17:01.8

Michael Mukula Jr/Sirajih Kyambadde 1:23:11.0

Ponsiano Lwakataka delivered a stellar performance at the Mbarara Rally, securing his fifth title after a fierce competition over the weekend. The Mafu-Mafu Rally Team driver faced off against charging Ford Fiestas, powerful Mitsubishi Evos, and new-model Subarus to guide his trusty Subaru Impreza N12B to victory.

Navigated by Paul Musaazi, Lwakataka finished with a time of 1:15:57.9 hours, defeating his closest rivals, Ronald Ssebuguzi and Nasser Mutebi, who posted times of 1:15:7.3497 and 1:16:26.0 hours respectively.

Yasin Nasser appeared to be on track for his second Mbarara rally victory but encountered issues with his car in the fourth section, where he lost the lead to Lwakataka. The eventual winner surged ahead, finishing the section five minutes faster than Nasser.

Many fans continue to marvel at how Lwakataka, driving a 2006 Subaru, can compete so effectively against newer and higher-class rally cars.

Mastering the road

Lwakataka’s steadiness and fearlessness on the road were key to his success. Despite trailing Nasser in several sections, including the first, third, fifth, and power stages, Lwakataka’s performance in the fourth and sixth sections allowed him to secure the victory.

The competition was fierce, with Nasser leading in all the other sections, including the Super Special Stage (SSS). However, after his struggles in the fourth section, Nasser was relegated to fourth place overall, missing out on a podium finish.

Penalty-free victory

Lwakataka’s clean run was crucial. Any penalty would have jeopardised his chances, especially since all the top four—Ssebuguzi, Mutebi, and Nasser—avoided penalties.

Support from sponsors

Lwakataka’s victory was all the more impressive considering the setbacks he faced. After rolling his car during the Boxing Day sprint in Busiika, he had less than a month to prepare. With the help of his supporters, who covered the costs of his garage expenses and rally fuel, Lwakataka was able to compete.

“I got so much encouraged by my people and the reason I have managed to come out victorious. It is not my win but theirs,” Lwakataka said.

Competitive spirit

Lwakataka is well-known for his competitive nature and determination to prove himself as one of the best drivers in Uganda. In the SSS, he faced off with Michael Mukula Jr in a Subaru Impreza N14. Mukula narrowly beat Lwakataka in both rounds, posting times of 02:06.07 minutes to Lwakataka’s 02:07.03 and 02:07.04 minutes. Despite his loss, Lwakataka showed immense resilience in a highly competitive event.

While some prominent drivers, like Jas Mangat, did not participate, and others like Duncan Mubiru retired early, the competition remained fierce, with Nasser Mutebi and Michael Mukula Jr keeping the front-runners on edge.

A historic victory

This victory cements Lwakataka’s place as the most decorated driver in Mbarara Rally history, with five titles (2007, 2010, 2013, 2022, and 2025). Jas Mangat follows closely with four titles (2012, 2018, 2019, and 2024), while Duncan Mubiru has three (2014, 2015, and 2020).