By Mwambazi Lawrence-

Tomorrow, December 12th, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the world will gather for the 2025 FIA Awards a night when the greatest champions of global motorsport stand together under one dazzling spotlight. For Uganda, this year’s ceremony is more than a celebration; it is a moment that will echo through history.

Because Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba, two determined sons of the Pearl of Africa, will step onto the world stage to receive their crown as the FIA African Rally Champions. Uganda last stood this tall in 1999, when the late Charles Muhangi conquered the continent. And now, twenty-six years later, Yasin and Ali have revived that golden roar. Their journey is not one of privilege, but of heart built in the red dust of East Africa, powered by resilience, sacrifice, and a dream too powerful to surrender.

They fought brutal terrains, unpredictable weather, mechanical heartbreaks, and fierce competition. But with unwavering focus, a united spirit, and their Ford Fiesta Rally2 beneath them, they conquered Africa one stage at a time, sealing glory in Morogoro, Tanzania.

Now imagine the sight that awaits tomorrow: A Ugandan crew sharing the same global platform as Formula 1 star Lando Norris…
Standing beside Sébastien Ogier, one of the greatest drivers the rally world has ever known…

It is the kind of moment that sends chills across continents.
The kind of moment that tells the world: Uganda does not just admire champions Uganda produces them.

Yasin and Ali’s presence in Tashkent is more than a personal victory.
It is a source of hope for young dreamers across Uganda and all of Africa.
A reminder that greatness is not born in comfort it is born in grit, faith, and the courage to push beyond what seems possible.

When Yasin and Ali walk onto that stage, they will not be walking alone.
They will carry with them the pride of every rally fan, every mechanic, every child cheering from a village roadside, every person who believes that dreams crafted in dust can rise to the world stage. So on December 12th, the world will applaud them.
And Uganda will smile, knowing that its flag once again flies among giants
bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.

Long live Uganda’s champions.