The billionaire rally driver who showed up, then gave up

Tanzanian billionaire rally driver Ahmed Huwel left Ugandan motorsport fans frustrated after abruptly withdrawing from the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally on the final day of competition, with no visible mechanical failure or medical emergency to explain his exit.

This marked Huwel's second appearance in Uganda since 2006. His arrival on May 2 had generated enormous excitement, but the anticipated challenge never materialised.

Out of 12 competitive stages, the Serengeti Rally Team driver completed only seven, claiming just one stage victory.

Ahmed Huwel's service truck

According to Competitor Relations Officer Godfrey Mayanja, organizers were not formally notified of the withdrawal. "I discovered the team had already packed up and departed for Tanzania," Mayanja said. The matter was reported to event stewards and FIA officials.

Sources allege Huwel had a heated disagreement with his navigator, Oslaj Viljem, during Stage 7, accusing him of delivering inaccurate pace notes. The breakdown in communication led to Huwel retiring from the rally.

Ironically, Huwel's arrival had overshadowed other storylines. His convoy included eight luxury vehicles, among them a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and a custom-built hospitality bus featuring bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, a sauna, and six television screens. Team manager Samuel Mwakalundwa valued the bus at three billion Tanzanian shillings and the rally car at sh1.5b.

Despite the glamour and anticipation, Huwel's campaign ended in disappointment.