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Triple Threat: Nasser, Gawaya & Kateete set to fly Uganda’s Flag
National Pride On The Move. Uganda’s ambassadors; Yasin Nasser and Sharipha Kateete were flagged off by NCS officials Anne Nankya and Ivan Nuwamanya at Lugogo on Thursday before departing for their respective international events. PHOTO/INNOCENT NDAWULA
What you need to know:
Fast & Fearless. The motorsport scene is set for a worldie as rally aces Yasin Nasser and Timothy Gawaya join the elite field at the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya, while motocross star Sharipha Kateete makes her international debut at the prestigious FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup
Ugandan motorsport is gearing up for an action-packed season with three top athletes—Yasin Nasser, Timothy Gawaya, and Sharipha Kateete—taking on international competitions in rally and motocross.
Two-time national rally champion Nasser, alongside co-driver Ali Katumba in their Ford Fiesta R5, and debutant Timothy Gawaya, paired with Francis Wamala in a Mitsubishi Evo.X, will be among 30 crews battling the grueling WRC Safari Rally in Kenya from March 20-23.
The event kicks off in Nairobi before heading to Naivasha in the Rift Valley, where competitors will navigate over 1,000km of treacherous terrain.
Full of belief
For Nasser, the Safari Rally is familiar ground, having competed across Africa with success. “I had a massive accident last year, and the car (Nemo) was beyond recognition. But we have rebuilt it to brand-new standards and are ready to soldier on,” he said.
Carrying the flag.
“We have sought advice from senior drivers on better note-writing and race planning to avoid another crash. We will give ourselves a 99.99% chance of finishing the race.”
Gawaya, making his WRC debut, admitted his decision to enter the Safari Rally was spontaneous. “Going for Safari was an impromptu thought. It had never crossed my mind before, but when the opportunity came, I thought, why not?” he revealed.
“The event will push me beyond my usual limits, with over 1,000km of racing compared to the 200km rallies I am used to.”
Truly excited
Meanwhile, motocross sensation Sharipha Kateete will be making history as one of six female riders at the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup.
The four-time ladies’ champion, fresh off a strong showing at the African Motocross Championship in Morocco, is eager to test herself against the world’s best.
“I am so happy and nervous at the same time,” Kateete said. “But believe me, I am excited. After my practice sessions in South Africa, I will be better prepared for the big stage.”
Kateete’s father, Abdu Kateete, was present at the flag-off, showing his support as his daughter embarks on her first competition outside Africa. In a touching gesture, Nasser contributed Sh3.5m to buy her a high-quality helmet for the event.
National Council of Sports Senior Sports Officer Anne Nankya, who officiated the flag-off, lauded the trio’s efforts.
“Yasin continues to inspire young speedsters. NCS is fully behind these athletes and will work closely with Federation of Motorsports in Uganda (FMU) to develop motorsport further,” she said.
As Uganda’s flag flies high on two fronts, the nation’s motorsport fraternity will be hoping for strong performances from their stars.
Numbers
1,000km
The grueling distance of the WRC Safari Rally compared to the usual 200km rallies Ugandan drivers are used to.
Shs3.5m
The amount Yasin Nasser donated to buy Kateete a helmet for her world championship debut.
30
The number of rally crews competing at the Safari Rally in Kenya.
