KAMPALA — Two-time national rally champion Ponsiano Lwakataka has received a Shs25 million financial boost from Ruparelia Group of Companies as he steps up efforts to return to competitive rallying.
The contribution brings the veteran driver closer to his Shs220 million target needed to acquire a Volkswagen Proto rally car previously owned by the late rally driver
Lwakataka now needs Shs195 million to complete the purchase of the car, which he hopes will help him make a strong return to the national championship.
The driver is planning a fundraising sprint at Garuga later next month, where he intends to raise additional funds and unveil the car to rally fans.
Lwakataka expressed gratitude to the Ruparelia Group for supporting his comeback and urged motorsport enthusiasts to attend the fundraising event.
“I am really happy and I want to assure our fans that the day of the unveiling of the rally car will be special. I call upon all rally fans to come to Garuga and see our car,” he said.
25 years in motorsport
The Garuga event will also coincide with Lwakataka’s 25th anniversary in motorsport.
As part of the celebrations, the veteran driver plans to sell a commemorative magazine documenting his journey in rallying.
The magazine will cost Shs10,000 at the entrance to the event.
Lwakataka has been away from competitive rallying but remains optimistic that the Volkswagen Proto will provide the machinery he needs to compete at the highest level.
He has already given the car a name — “Rabbit” — in contrast to his previous machine, which he called “Snake.”
Explaining the change, Lwakataka said his previous car presented handling challenges that sometimes affected his performance.
“The car we have been driving was long and was named Snake. Now the name has changed. This is Rabbit, and I believe it is going to change everything,” he said.
He explained that the previous car could behave unpredictably, particularly because its front and rear sections did not always respond as expected.
“With this one, I believe Rabbit will jump in the same direction,” he said.
The driver believes the new machine will improve his confidence and competitiveness as he prepares for a return to the national rally scene.
The Shs25 million contribution represents an important step towards his Shs220 million fundraising target, with Lwakataka expected to continue mobilising support ahead of the planned Garuga event.