Lwakataka plots comeback with monster machine

What the report says

The Observer reports that veteran Ugandan rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka is working on a possible return to top-level competition after hinting late last year that he might step away from the sport. Instead of retiring, he is now organizing a fundraising drive to buy a more modern rally car and remain competitive in the national championship.

According to the article, Lwakataka wants to raise Shs 220 million to secure a newer machine, with a Volkswagen Proto formerly driven by the late Rajiv Ruparelia among the cars under consideration. He is also weighing other updated rally cars as he looks to close the performance gap created by ageing equipment. The fundraising effort is due to begin with a special sprint at Garuga Racetrack on September 20.

The story says Lwakataka, a two-time National Rally Championship winner, still believes he can challenge for titles if he gets the right car. In the 2025 season, he won four of seven national events while driving a car described as about 20 years old, but retirements hurt his title bid. The report adds that his last major upgrade was in 2019, and that support has already started coming in, including a Shs25 million contribution from Ruparelia Group.

The potential comeback underlines how much modern machinery matters in rallying, especially for experienced drivers trying to stay at the front. The article presents the effort as a pause rather than a final farewell, with the possibility that Lwakataka could return to the NRC and mount another title challenge if the fundraising succeeds.