Asiimwe Doreen’s passion for rallying is as powerful as the engines she commands on the track. She is the founder of Dorah Racing Team (DRT) and a trailblazer for women in Ugandan motorsport. Doreen’s journey into the world of racing began with a childhood dream. Watching the speed and power of rally cars sparked a fascination that never waned. The rush of adrenaline and the roar of the engines stayed with her, shaping a passion that would drive her forward in ways she never expected.

Her journey took a major turn in 2019, when she met Sam Watendwa, a respected champion rally driver in Uganda. Watendwa saw potential in Doreen and became a mentor. He shared his invaluable experience, providing not just advice but encouragement, and helped Doreen believe in herself. His guidance played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue her passion for motorsport seriously.

Doreen also found inspiration in Suzan Muwonge, Uganda’s two-time National Champion, also known as the “Super Lady” of motorsport. Muwonge’s success in a male-dominated sport was a beacon for Doreen, proving that women not only belong in rallying but can also dominate the sport. This example of female strength and determination gave Doreen the confidence to believe that she could follow in those footsteps and leave her own mark.

Doreen’s competitive journey began with a sprint race at Garuga, followed by participation in autocross events in Gomba and Mukono. Initially driven by the excitement of racing, Doreen soon realized that she didn’t just want to compete—she wanted to win. The thrill of crossing the finish line gave way to a deeper ambition: to rise to the top of the sport and make her team, Dorah Racing Team, a recognized force in Ugandan rallying.

However, the road to success wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most grueling moments of her journey was during the Nakisunga-Mukono rally, where she faced multiple tire issues, including two flat tires and several punctures. These physical hurdles were compounded by financial challenges. Sponsorships were few and far between, meaning that Doreen often had to self-fund her racing efforts—a commitment that required not just financial resources, but immense resilience. Despite these obstacles, Doreen embraced each challenge as a learning opportunity, seeing every setback as a stepping stone toward eventual success.

Doreen’s ultimate goal is not just personal success, but to bring Uganda into the international motorsport spotlight. She dreams of representing Uganda on the global stage, proudly waving the flag at international competitions. To achieve this, Doreen is committed to honing her skills and training rigorously throughout the upcoming year, setting the stage for a bigger and brighter future for her team and the country’s motorsport scene.

While her ambition is clear, balancing rallying with family life is no small feat. As a mother of three and a businesswoman, Doreen wears many hats. Thankfully, the FMU (Federation of Motorsport Uganda) calendar allows her to schedule her racing around her family commitments. On Sundays, she reserves time for practice at the Mukono track, ensuring she can focus on improving her skills while maintaining her responsibilities at home.

As Doreen prepares for the upcoming Club Rally Championship (CRC), she is particularly excited about racing with the EVO9, a car she believes will give her the edge in competition. Alvin Ruyiimbazi, her navigator, has become an indispensable partner on the track, and their teamwork strengthens Doreen’s resolve as they work toward their shared goals.

Doreen’s journey is not only about winning titles but also about empowering women to follow in her footsteps. Her message to young girls and women is one of hope and determination: “To all the girls and women out there: we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Motorsport needs more women who can stand shoulder to shoulder with men, proving our strength and resilience. Let’s make our mark and leave a legacy of fearless women in racing.”

Through Dorah Racing Team, Doreen is laying the groundwork for a new generation of women in motorsport. Her ambition is not just to bring home trophies but to pave the way for future female rally drivers, showing them that with passion, resilience, and dedication, they too can thrive in the sport.

With additional support and sponsorship, Dorah Racing Team could further elevate the profile of Ugandan motorsport, demonstrating the incredible talent, determination, and potential within the country.

Doreen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. Her success isn’t just about the races she wins—it’s about creating a legacy for women in motorsport, proving that anything is possible with passion, dedication, and the courage to break barriers.

“Thank you for supporting Dorah Racing Team; together, let’s make history!”