Sh15m boost powers Lwakataka's bid for Ruparelia's Proto

Veteran rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka's bid to acquire the late Rajiv Ruparelia's Volkswagen Proto has become a reality.

On September 4, 2026, the two-time national rally champion received a Shs 15 million sponsorship boost from MTN MoMo ahead of his upcoming fundraising sprint in Garuga.

The telecommunications giant is making a return to motorsport after years of absence. According to Simon Peter Kayira, this partnership marks the beginning of the company's long-term return to the sport.

"We have offered Shs 15 million to Ponsiano, on top of managing the ticketing. I want to assure you that as a brand, we are returning to motorsport and will participate in all Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) activities," Kayira stated.

He also announced that fans who purchase their entry tickets via mobile money will receive a 50% discount.

The Fundraising Sprint will be held on September 20, 2026, at the Victoria Raceway Track in Garuga. All proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing the new car and its spare parts. Both top rally drivers and motocross riders are expected to battle it out for honours during the sprint championship.

Lwakataka, who has been driving an inferior Subaru Impreza N12, is upgrading to the more powerful and superior Volkswagen Proto and expressed his excitement over the timely support.

"I am humbled by this support. I appeal to the fans out there to come out in large numbers and support me," Lwakataka said.

"If I could win four National Rally Championship events in an inferior car, then I will easily win the overall championship once I get my hands on this machine," he added.

Reynolds Kibira, the FMU General Secretary, lauded the telecom and mobile money service providers for their continued support in reviving and funding motorsport in the country.