Lwakataka ends partnership with Musaazi

Uganda's celebrated rally speed merchant, Ponsiano Lwakataka, has formally ended his long-standing partnership with navigator Paul Musaazi and instead rekindled a working relationship with his former protégé, Ritah Ruth Lugayizi.

The development comes at a pivotal moment, as crews intensify preparations for the forthcoming Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, which will traverse Mbarara and Kiruhura districts next week.

The shift in Lwakataka’s camp follows a season marked by both promise and frustration. In the previous National Rally Championship (NRC) campaign, Lwakataka demonstrated formidable pace, securing victory in four of seven rounds. However, mechanical unreliability, particularly concerning their aging Subaru Impreza N12B, proved costly in the final and most decisive events. A string of setbacks in those closing rounds ultimately derailed his title ambitions and allowed reigning champion Ronald Ssebuguzi to seize the crown.

In the aftermath of that disappointing conclusion, Lwakataka and Musaazi reportedly reached a mutual understanding to either retire the worn-out machine or dispose of it altogether as they explored the prospect of acquiring a more competitive car. Yet, in a turn of events, Lwakataka recently resolved to return to competition for this year’s Pearl Rally. Musaazi, however, opted not to rejoin the effort, effectively ending one of the more enduring partnerships in Ugandan rallying.

Lwakataka now approaches the upcoming rally with renewed determination, seeking redemption after last year’s misfortune. During that edition of the Pearl Rally, an engine failure forced his premature retirement.

The decision to partner with Lugayizi reflects Lwakataka’s enduring commitment to talent development within the sport. Over the years, he has earned a reputation not merely as a skilled competitor, but also as a mentor capable of identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

Notably, he played a formative role in the career of Susan Muwonge, who went on to secure National Rally Championship titles in 2011 and 2018, earning widespread acclaim as the “Super Lady” of Ugandan motorsport.

Lugayizi herself is no stranger to Lwakataka’s cockpit. The pair previously collaborated during the 2022 “Bring Back Dusty Bukenya Sprint Championship” at Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga, where they delivered a commendable fourth-place finish.

His decision to entrust pace notes to Lugayizi again has been met with widespread approval from fans and observers alike, many of whom regard it as both a bold and forward-looking move that reinforces his legacy within the sport.

Speaking on the new partnership, Lwakataka expressed confidence in Lugayizi as a capable and disciplined navigator whom he has personally trained and tested. He intends to groom her further with the long-term aim of transitioning her into a driving role.

This year’s Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is scheduled to run from May 7 to 9 and has already attracted considerable interest, with a total of 58 crews confirmed at the close of entries.