Moses Lumala’s comeback sparks debate on Ugandan rallying standards

The return of veteran rally driver Moses Lumala has not only reignited memories of Uganda’s golden era of motorsport but also stirred debate about the current competitiveness and direction of the sport.

A two-time National Rally Championship (NRC) winner in 1999 and 2003, Lumala made a remarkable comeback after a 20-year hiatus, finishing second overall at the season-opening MPU Mbale Rally held across Mbale, Budaka, and Bukedea districts on March 28. His performance has since become the subject of intense discussion within rallying circles.

At 61, Lumala’s return was initially treated with skepticism. Many dismissed his chances, citing age, the physical toll of rallying, and the pace of modern competition. Some critics went as far as ridiculing his comeback, predicting he would struggle to cope with the demands of the sport.

Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, Lumala defied expectations. Competing against younger, more active drivers, he delivered a commanding performance that saw him climb from ninth position on day one to finish second overall—an achievement that has raised uncomfortable but necessary questions about the standards of contemporary rally driving in Uganda.

Is this a reflection of declining competitiveness among current drivers, or simply a testament to Lumala’s enduring brilliance?

According to Lumala, the answer lies in the finer details of rallying.

“Driving is not just about speed,” he noted. “It is about talent, skill, and the mental ability to calculate and manage the race. That is what separates drivers.”

His words underscore a critical dimension often overlooked in modern rallying: the intellectual and psychological discipline required to excel.

Lumala revealed that his earlier retirement, following his last appearance in the 2006 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, was largely driven by financial constraints. Rallying remains an expensive sport, with a single event costing upwards of sh30 million, making sustained participation difficult without strong financial backing.

“I stepped away to stabilize financially, build other income streams, and take care of my family,” he explained. “Now I am back to reconnect with the sport.”

Despite his eventual success in Mbale, Lumala’s return was not without challenges. He admitted to battling nerves, self-doubt, and physical strain, particularly on the opening day.

“I struggled mentally. At some point, I started telling myself I am old. The calculations were not coming naturally, and I was nervous throughout,” he said.

However, a combination of preparation and strategic support proved decisive. With guidance from an experienced navigator and a foreign trainer, Lumala regained composure, rebuilt confidence, and approached the second day with renewed clarity and determination.

“I had to overcome fear. I knew I would be ashamed not to fight for a podium finish,” he added.

That mental reset transformed his race, allowing him to surge through the field and secure a podium finish, arguably one of the most remarkable performances in recent Ugandan rally history.

Originally, Lumala had planned a limited return, targeting only select events such as the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. However, his performance in Mbale appears to have altered those plans.

“I now feel stronger and more motivated. I need more seat time to fully understand the car and compete better,” he said.

Driving a Ford Fiesta Proto as part of his reintroduction to the sport, Lumala explained that his choice of machinery is strategic, aimed at rebuilding his skillset before eventually upgrading to a more competitive R5 car for the African Rally Championship (ARC).

Beyond performance, Lumala’s mindset remains unchanged. His competitive edge, forged over decades, still defines him.

“As long as I am physically fit and my vision is clear, I fear no driver. I respect them, but I do not fear anyone,” he asserted.

He also singled out Musa Ssegaawa as one of the few drivers whose fearless approach stands out, describing him as “stubborn, daring and unafraid of risk” qualities he believes are essential in rallying.

Looking ahead, Lumala’s ambitions extend beyond the cockpit. He expressed a desire to contribute to the administrative and structural development of the sport, even hinting at a possible future role within the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).

“There are things that need to be corrected. I want to see the sport regain its direction—better organization, more respect among stakeholders, increased fan engagement, and stronger sponsorship,” he observed.