Lwakataka plots comeback with monster machine

Ponsiano Lwakataka is not ready to close the book on a rallying career that has stretched for 25 years.

The veteran rally driver announced in December 2025 that he was considering stepping away from competitive rallying, but months later, the desire to compete remains alive.

Lwakataka is now organising a fundraising campaign aimed at securing a modern rally car for a comeback. His target is Shs 220 million, which would enable the two-time former National Rally Championship (NRC) winner to acquire a more competitive machine and return to the national championship with equipment capable of fighting for victories.

At the centre of his plans is a Volkswagen Proto previously driven by the late Rajiv Ruparelia. Lwakataka is also considering other newer competition cars as he seeks to bridge the technological gap that has become increasingly important in modern rallying.

The fundraising drive will start with a special sprint at Garuga Racetrack on September 20. Lwakataka hopes to attract support from rally fans, friends, corporate partners and other well-wishers to raise the money needed for his comeback.

It is an indication that retirement may have been more of a pause than a definitive goodbye. Lwakataka remains one of the most enduring figures in Ugandan rallying. Unlike drivers such as Moses Lumala, who returned after a sabbatical of more than 15 years, Lwakataka has largely remained active throughout his career.

His longevity has seen him compete across different generations of Uganda’s rally scene, but ageing machinery has increasingly become a disadvantage. That was evident during the 2025 season.

Driving a car that is now about 20 years old, Lwakataka won four of the seven national rally events. His title challenge was, however, derailed by retirements. The results demonstrated that the veteran still has the pace to compete at the front when his machinery is reliable and competitive.

His search for a newer car is therefore about more than nostalgia. Lwakataka believes he can challenge for the NRC title again with the right equipment. His last major upgrade came in 2019, when he moved from his Subaru Impreza N8 to a factoryprepared Subaru Impreza N12B bought from Jas Mangat.

Seven years later, he is looking to make another significant step forward. The possible acquisition of Ruparelia’s Volkswagen Proto would provide that opportunity. The Ruparelia family had earlier indicated it was not looking to sell its two rally cars, including the Evo X.

The Evo X was later sold to Ambrose Byona. Recently, Ruparelia Group contributed Shs25 million towards Lwakataka’s efforts to acquire a new car, although the group has not commented on whether the remaining rally car is available for sale.

Lwakataka has won the NRC twice, in 2005 and 2007. His 2025 campaign, in which he won four rallies with ageing machinery, offered another reminder of his ability.

If the fundraising succeeds and he secures a modern machine, 2027 could provide another chapter in his long career—and perhaps another title assault. For now, the cockpit is still calling.

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