Motorsport: King Rama ignites Garuga, carries Moses Lumala legacy forward

At just 11 years old, Ramathan Mubiru is already showing signs that the Lumala family’s long association with motorsport could have another chapter waiting to be written.

Popularly known as ‘King Rama’, the young driver stole the spotlight at Garuga racecourse on Saturday as hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka’s 25 years in motorsport.

Rama, grandson of rally legend Moses Lumala, thrilled the crowd with a fearless display in his XCar buggy, just days after representing Uganda at the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations in Namibia.

His five-year-old sister, Skylar Baale, had earlier opened proceedings for the Lumala Racing Team, taking car number one on the track in her small yellow buggy. The siblings’ appearance added a new-generation dimension to a celebration built around Lwakataka’s quarter-century in motorsport.

But it was Rama’s performance that left the biggest impression. Despite competing in a buggy against more powerful machinery, the youngster finished 13th overall, even beating Ronald Sserunjogi’s Subaru Impreza.

At the sharp end of the classification, family patriarch Moses Lumala swept all his runs to finish top overall with a fastest time of 5 minutes, 26.04 seconds. His son Musa Lumala was second, just two seconds behind, while returnee Allan Gayi completed the top three.

Haruna Kataza, making his Subaru debut, was fourth in 5:50.130, with KCB Bank-sponsored driver Nasser Mutebi fifth. For Moses Lumala, however, Rama’s performance represented more than another result on a motorsport timing sheet.

“It was awesome seeing my little ones doing so well on track. Thanks to Almighty Allah,” Lumala said.

The two-time National Rally Champion believes his grandson has the talent and courage to go much further.

“Rama is talented and a daredevil. He is a great driver who can compete on the world stage, which I failed to achieve as a driver. He will be the next to keep the Lumala racing legacy if finances allow,” he said.

Rama’s father, singer Haruna Mubiru, was equally delighted as fans celebrated the two young speedsters.

“I appreciate the efforts Mzee Lumala has put towards my son and daughter Skylar. He is a serious talent identifier who has a big dream for his family,” Mubiru said.

While Rama provided the future-looking highlight, the occasion also marked an important milestone for Lwakataka, who returned to competition after an 18-year rally absence. The fans rewarded him by clearing all debts on his new Volkswagen Polo Proto, turning the celebration into a major boost for his comeback campaign.

“It was massive. Fans have played their part and have ably cleared all debts on the new car. It is now left to me to entertain them at rallies,” an emotional Lwakataka said.

He has already ordered spare parts for the Polo Proto as he prepares to take on the leading crews, while appealing to major companies to support his campaign.

The next test comes in Gulu due October 9-10, when the fifth round of the National Rally Championship (NRC) takes place. For Rama, though, the journey may have only just begun.

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