Motorsport Uganda sees breakthrough as 20 women join first WIMU training

The motorsport fraternity continues to grapple with limited representation of women drivers in competitive events each season.

In a bid to bridge this gap, Women in Motorsport Uganda (WIMU) has launched an initiative to train and mentor women interested in joining the sport, equipping them with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to master rally cars and sportbikes.

Organisers were pleasantly surprised by the turnout of 20 women on the first day of driving classes, navigation, and scrutineering lessons held over the weekend at the Naguru Driving Yard, next to Naguru Infant Primary School in Nakawa Municipality.

Trainees, Joan Nakintu (Left), Hellen Bukenya, Josephine Nakanwagi and Anitah Nagadya. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe

Interestingly, several senior navigators who had not previously perfected their driving skills were among the first to arrive.

Their participation encouraged newcomers and signaled that this initiative was a long-awaited opportunity to increase women’s involvement as drivers in rallying and motorcycle racing.

The sessions were graced by experienced navigators including Gloria Nantongo (former navigator to Edward Kirumira), Prosperous Namale (navigator to Faizal Kayiira, popularly known as “Just Bayaaye”), Mariam Nambassa (navigator to Isaac Ssozi), and Zubedah Ali Abdallah (navigator to Andrew Musoke), among others, making the day both colorful and impactful.

One of the young newcomers, Anitah Nagadya, expressed her excitement and gratitude to WIMU for creating an opportunity for girls who have long admired the sport but lacked access.

“I have grown up seeing brave women driving rally cars and battling with men on the circuits and routes. This is a dream come true. I have touched the gear lever, clutch pedal, steering wheel and brakes. I am so excited. Soon, I want to be like ‘Super Lady’ Suzan Muwonge,” Nagadya said.

Hellen Bukenya, Safety Commissioner and member of the Competitions Committee under the Federation of Motorsport Clubs in Uganda (FMU), confirmed that the training sessions will continue every weekend.

“Our goal is to assemble at least four all-women crews, both the driver and navigator being women. We are giving this programme enough time and we are confident it will bear fruits,” Bukenya said.

Uganda’s rally icon Suzan Muwonge has previously flown the national flag high, winning two National Rally Championship (NRC) titles in 2011 and 2018. She last competed in the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in 2025, but has not appeared since.

Other notable women who have competed against men in rallying include Irene Leila Mayanja, Rose Lwakataka, Doreen Asiimwe, and Monica Birwinyo. However, despite their past participation, they have not featured in recent seasons.