Prime
Lwakataka turns on style in Mbarara
Lwakataka stands next to his car after his triumph in the season opener in Mbarara. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
Lwakataka brought his Subaru N12B home after two days in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 59.4 seconds over a competitive distance of 140.64km spread over seven sections.
Former champion Ponsiano Lwakataka, co-driven by Paul Musaazi, emerged winners of the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC) season opener in Mbarara.
Lwakataka brought his Subaru N12B home after two days in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 59.4 seconds over a competitive distance of 140.64km spread over seven sections.
Ronald Ssebuguzi and Antony Mugambwa in a Ford Fiesta Porto finished second, three minutes adrift while Nasser Mutebi/Steven Bunya (Mitsubishi Evo. IX) was third.
“I started a low tone on Friday in the super special at Rukaari resort. I hit a tree and my driving shaft got a problem that is why I performed badly.
“I worked on the car and on day two, I had to go flat-out and with God’s Grace I won the event,” an elated Lwakataka said.
The event dubbed "Lumala @60, Mama @90 Birthday Rally" started on Friday with one competitive section and Super Special Stage at Rukari resort.
Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba, in a Ford Fiesta R5, drew first blood, taking the overnight lead on Friday.
However, the finale on Saturday saw changes in the lead with Lwakataka taking control after Nasser suffered power steering issues in the second stage.
He lost more than a minute trying to rectify the problem.
“I came to this event aiming to separate boys from men. Fans are talking a lot about the latest versions of the cars which are advanced in technology and make but for me I don’t fear them,” Lwakataka continued.
“I have a football theory. Some do not play the best ball but even if they buy the best players, the ball becomes useless,” he bellowed.
The victory put him ahead of four-time national champion Jas Mangat for the most victories in Mbarara, the eternal season opener.
Lwakataka has won the event in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2022 and now 2025. Mangat’s victories came in 2012, 2018, 2019 and 2024.
In the lesser competition, Walter Kibande won the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC ahead of Sentongo Kiggundu Nkima and Topher Katera.
Also, Edward Kirumira won the two-wheel category followed by Amir Kavuma and Julius Ssemambo.
Another former champion Duncan Mubiru joined Moustapha Mukasa, Abdul Katete and Peter Kalule among those who dropped out of the event.
Top Five results
1.Ponsiano Lwakataka 1:12:59.4
2. Ronald Ssebuguzi 1:15:34.9
3. Nasser Mutebi 1:16.26.0
4. Yasin Nasser 1:17:01.8
5. Mike Mukula Jr 1:23:11.0
NRC Standings
1.Ponsinao Lwakataka 57 points
2. Ronald Ssebuguzi 53 points
3. Yasin Nasser 47 points
4. Nasser Mutebi 46 points
5. Mike Mukula Jr 43 points
