Written By | Alex Mbamanya
A member delivers a contribution during the meeting
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MBARARA CITY
There is no force stronger than passion and commitment to one’s interests and preferences.
This passion becomes even more powerful when individuals with a shared vision come together and combine their efforts to achieve a common goal.
The former Mbarara Motor Club executive, led by Lillian Busingye, also known as Ssenga, has been replaced by a new and revitalised leadership under Seth Murari, with a smooth transition reported.
The major change was announced last week when about 73 members from both Mbarara Motor Club (MMC) and Mbarara City Rally Club (MCRC) convened at Lake View Hotel to chart a way forward for the growth of motorsport in the region. 
The interim president elect Seth Murari (white) is congraculated by Geoffrey Nangumya
Led by rally driver and former Mbarara City Rally Club member Didas Matsiko Ruhinda, the members expressed concerns that the previous executive led by Busingye had not done enough for the sport and the club, noting that it was not effectively based in Mbarara, the club’s home.
“I was a member of the club but was instead expelled when I raised concerns and proposed strategies for developing the sport and strengthening our club. We have been struggling, but in the end, we decided to come together for the betterment of the sport because we are the only club lagging behind despite having the capacity to lead,” said Matsiko.
Lillian Busingye did not attend the meeting, but her vice president, Odion Tumwebaze, also a rally driver, was present.
FMU's Hajji Hamidu Gombe guides the meeting flanked by Geoffrey Nangumya and Odion Tumwebaze
The meeting, which was also attended by Hajji Hamidu Gombe, an official from the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), unanimously agreed on an interim committee with Seth Murari as president and Odion Tumwebaze as vice president.
“I am delighted that members have entrusted me with the mandate to lead the recovery of motorsport in Mbarara and the wider region. I promise to do my best for the good of the sport because it brings people together. As leaders, this is the unity we strive to sustain and strengthen. I will work to meet the expectations of this club and the entire rally fraternity in the country,” Murari said.
Gombe advised the interim committee not to exceed 30 days before convening an elective assembly to formally elect a new executive.
Part of the MMC meeting attendants
Mbarara Motor Club has faced challenges with the national motorsport governing body, FMU, and its members. As a result, the club has not organised the National Rally Championship (NRC) event—the Mbarara Rally—for the past three years. This year, the event was instead hosted in Mbale.
However, there is some relief, as Mbarara is set to host the prestigious Africa Rally Championship event—the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally—from May 8 to May 11.
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