More than cars at the SubaFest

Although it was a Subaru affair, other car owners were welcome. All photos by Abubaker Lubowa

Though the 2016 edition of Suba Fest auto show, held at Jahazi Pier in Munyonyo, Kampala, last Saturday April 23, got off to a slow start, but ended in a enthusiastic climax. Not even the
The show also coincided with another well-attended car-related event— “Save Carol from Cancer” car wash fundraiser at Panamera Bar parking lot. Many of those there, including members of Subaru Owners Club Uganda (SOCU), made it to Munyonyo afterwards.
Compared to the maiden event in 2015, this one was better organised and well-publicised.
When it begun, the Subie drivers revved up to let out the signature Boxer engine sound as the day’s opening “anthem”. Also, the organisers spiced it up to including a drifting session on the menu much to the delight of the fans, many of who were heard calling out, “We want action.”
It came towards the climax; whoever felt like they had the skill took part. A one Nico seemed to take the day as he drifted longer and way better than others.
Earlier on, cars that made it to the main display area received diagnostic checks.
At the prize-giving, winners in the different categories received awards, which were gold coloured and shaped like pistons.
Subaru Impreza GC8 (UAM 937S) won in the dirtiest Subaru section. The owner got himself six months free washing at Super Emo washing bay and free service at Dalas Autos. Subaru Impreza (UAS 940N) won best paint job as UAV 114Y, a Toyota Altezza won best rim and tyre. Subaru Impreza (UAW 826S) won best muffler as Subaru Impreza (UAL 312K) took the best body art award. Subaru Impreza (UAS 593J) won best engine sound while Toyota Vitz RS (UAV 887H) won the best music system award.

The top two contenders for the Subaru of the year award. Photo By Abubaker Lubowa


The duel of the day was between UAX 634T and UAW 063J for grand prize—the Subaru of the Year award. Well, the UAX Subie was well maintained to detail, including an impressive interior and clean engine but the UAW Subie swayed the fans, who “voted” in the other’s favour. The judges gave in and awarded Dennis Ssempebwa, the owner of the UAW, the top prize.
In a surprising twist, Ssempembwa donated his full-year service prize courtesy of Kampala Motors to the owner of the UAX. He said his rival for the award had kept the car in a top notch condition.
There was a tyre change challenge, which required four ladies to enter the competition to a tyre in the fastest time. However, only two showed up and eventually one, Patricia Mukuze of Autozone UG, remained standing.
The contest did not take palce “due to lack of quorum” and was scrapped.

A turbocharged Subaru Impreza WRX. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa


Throughout the day, the 2016 Subaru Outback was on display, courtesy of Kampala Motors which was one of the sponsors. The others were Pepsi, National Insurance Corporation, NTV, , Lato Milk, Will & Karl, Brinick Group, Dalas Auto, Miles for Smiles, Avtech, and i3 innovates.