Rally fraternity mourns devoted fan Mark Stokes

The Ugandan motorsport fraternity came together in grief and solidarity as family, friends, rally drivers, and fans gathered in Bunga-Kasajja to pay their final respects to Mark Stokes, a devoted rally enthusiast whose passion for the sport made him a familiar figure at motorsport events across the country.

Stokes, who tragically lost his life in a road accident while returning home from the recently concluded Sembabule Rally, was remembered as an energetic and loyal supporter whose love for rallying transcended team rivalries and championship battles.

Born in 1997 in Bunga-Soya, Stokes became well known within rally circles for his unwavering support of the sport and his infectious enthusiasm whenever rally cars roared through competitive stages.

Whether cheering from spectator points, following service park activities, or interacting with drivers after events, he was regarded as one of the sport's most dedicated fans.

Just hours before his untimely death, Stokes had spoken confidently about the title ambitions of his favourite driver, Hassan Alwi, following the driver's impressive performance at the National Rally Championship event in Sembabule.

"We are winning this championship this year. We are also winning this event with our Ford Fiesta Proto," Stokes enthusiastically declared during an interview at the rally.

Those words would later become some of his final public remarks, making the loss even more painful for those who knew him.

Clad in his International University of East Africa (IUEA) jersey or Liverpool jersey, Stokes was often among the most visible fans at rally events. Friends recall his trademark celebrations, jumping in the dust and waving excitedly whenever competitors produced impressive performances.

However, his excitement always reached another level whenever Hassan Alwi's Ford Fiesta Proto appeared on the stages.

Many drivers described him as a cheerful, respectful, and passionate supporter who brought life to every event he attended.

Former National Rally Champion Jonas Kansime was among those who paid tribute to the fallen fan.

"I remember him coming to hug me after one rally event in the service park because he had been impressed by my performance. He was always cheerful and genuinely loved the sport. His passing is a big loss to the rally family," Kansime said.

The burial attracted a large turnout of mourners from across the motorsport fraternity. Drivers, navigators, officials, and fans arrived wearing team colours and rally-branded apparel as a sign of respect to one of the sport's most dedicated followers.

Students and friends from the International University of East Africa also joined family members in celebrating a life that, though short, left a lasting impression on those around him.

The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) was represented by several officials led by vice president Hajji Hamidu Gombe and general secretary Raynold Kibira, among others, who conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the motorsport community.

According to reports, Stokes was travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number UAL 009L when the vehicle was involved in an accident while returning from the Sembabule Rally.

Other occupants of the vehicle survived and were rushed to Bulwadda Health Centre for treatment. Unfortunately, Stokes succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

His death sent shockwaves through the rally fraternity, with tributes pouring in from drivers, teams, officials, and fans across the country.

Although Mark Stokes was not a driver or navigator, many within the motorsport community believe his contribution to the sport was equally important.

He represented the passionate supporters who brave dust, rain, and long distances to follow rallying across the country. His energy, dedication, and unwavering love for motorsport helped create the atmosphere that makes rallying one of Uganda's most followed sporting disciplines.

As he was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bunga-Kasajja, the rally fraternity bid farewell to a man whose passion for the sport never went unnoticed.

While championship battles will continue and engines will roar again, the memory of Mark Stokes will remain etched in the hearts of many who shared his love for rallying.

For the motorsport community, his passing is a painful reminder that beyond the competition and excitement lies a family united by a common passion—one that today mourns one of its own.