Lwakataka Secures Shs15m from MTN MoMo for Car Upgrade

Ponsiano Lwakataka, a prominent figure in Ugandan motorsports for over two decades, is gearing up for a significant car upgrade, aiming to transition from his Subaru Impreza N12B, nicknamed ‘Musota’, to a more modern Volkswagen Polo Proto. Lwakataka, who has amassed two National Rally Championship (NRC) titles, believes a faster machine is crucial to remain competitive against newer models.

His quest for enhanced performance has received a financial injection from MTN MoMo, who have pledged Shs15 million and ticketing support for an upcoming fundraising event. This support is seen as a vital step in his ambition to acquire the VW Polo Proto, previously driven by the late Rajiv Ruparelia.

Lwakataka, who has been competing with his current car since 2019 after acquiring it from Jas Mangat, points out the age disparity with his rivals’ vehicles. Despite this, he managed to win four out of six events he entered last year, highlighting his skill behind the wheel. The new car, which he has nicknamed ‘Akamyu’ (rabbit), signifies his renewed drive for victory.

The fundraising event, scheduled for September 20 at Garuga Race Track, will also feature special ticketing offers through MTN MoMo, allowing attendees to purchase tickets at a discounted rate of Shs5,000, verified by a QR code, compared to the Shs10,000 gate price.

Lwakataka estimates the total cost for the Volkswagen Polo Proto, including necessary spare parts, to be around Shs400 million. This initiative mirrors a previous fundraising effort where he successfully raised Shs130 million to purchase his current Subaru. With this upgrade, Lwakataka hopes to further solidify his legacy in the sport.