The motorsport calendar just got hotter! As Yasin Nasser carries Uganda’s flag in the Mkwawa Rally in Morogoro, Tanzania, the spotlight shifts back home to Mukono this Sunday, 21st September. At Festino Cite, all roads lead to the 2nd Round of the National Sprint Championship, where local favorite Samuel Watendwa is set to ignite fans with a high-octane farewell to his loyal Toyota FX.

Watendwa, alongside co-driver Steven Bunya, famously piloted the FX to clinch the 2019 2WD Championship. This weekend doubles as a fundraiser and a symbolic farewell, as he prepares to retire his trusted machine and transition to a more competitive ride. The stage is set for rally fans to witness the emotional “last dance” of Watendwa’s beloved car.

And who better to headline the show than Ugandan rally legends? Fan-favorite Ponsiano “Mafu Mafu” Lwakataka—never one to disappoint when it comes to showmanship—will be in the mix. With four wins already this season, he’s chasing hard in the 2025 National Rally Championship. Meanwhile, championship leader Ronald Sebuguzi will also grace Festino, reminding fans why he remains the man to beat with just two rounds left. Over 40 crews have registered, promising non-stop action, flying dust, and the adrenaline rush that defines Ugandan motorsport.

Watendwa’s story makes the day even more special. His long-standing duel with the Toyota FX has been a love-hate affair—sometimes conquering, sometimes humbled in the trenches—but ultimately one that has defined his racing journey. As he boldly declared at a meet-and-greet in Kikoni last Saturday: “It’s time for the FX to face a new challenger.” Fans will remember last year’s drama when Nalongo Asiimwe Doreen tangled with the FX at Festino, only for Nasib Pro Ssesanga to celebrate victory in his Toyota Celica Pick-Up.

The action kicks off early, with gates opening at 7:00 AM. Homegrown talent will also shine, with 2WD multi-champion Ibrahim Lubega Pasuwa eager to defend his turf, while Edward “Mayweather” Kirumira looks to upset the party.

This isn’t just another sprint—it’s a celebration of Ugandan motorsport, a farewell to a champion’s trusted machine, and the rise of a new chapter as Watendwa keeps his dream of a Subaru N14 alive.

Rhonnie Nkalubo Abraham – FMU Media