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The Super Lady Susan Muwonge after finishing third in the 2018 Mbarara rally. She is back after a seven-year hiatus
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By Our Reporter
Female rally ace Susan Muwonge has decided to end her racing sabbatical with a timely return at the upcoming Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, scheduled for May 7–11 in Mbarara.
Popularly known as Super Lady in the rally fraternity, Muwonge has been out of competitive racing for the past seven years. She now makes a comeback to the sport where she once challenged the dominance of her male counterparts.
The 2011 and 2018 National Rally Champion is among the 45 crews that have registered for the event, which will be held in Mbarara for the first time. By the close of entries on Friday evening, 45 crews had confirmed their participation, with Ugandan drivers dominating the list, alongside competitors from Kenya and Ethiopia.
The Super Lady Susan Muwonge after finishing third in the 2018 Mbarara rally
Meanwhile, 50 residents from Mbarara have enrolled for training as volunteer marshals for the four-day event, as anticipation builds across the Ankole region. The first training session, held in Mbarara City, attracted men and women from all walks of life. It was conducted by Hajji Hamidu Ggombe, Vice President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) and event road manager, who took participants through the basics.
The Super Lady Susan Muwonge after finishing third in the 2018 Mbarara rally
"The event is big, and we need manpower. We are ready to work with anyone willing to join us," Ggombe said. "It has been a good seven-hour training. My message to the people of Mbarara and everyone attending the rally is to ensure safety—because when we do that, more events will be brought here."
The rally has attracted top Ugandan drivers, including elite crews such as Ronald Ssebuguzi, Yasin Nasser, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Duncan Mubiru, and Joshua Muwanguzi. However, Jas Mangat is out of this year’s competition.
Hajji Hamid Ggombe training the martials
Last year's winner and 2023 ARC champion Karan Patel, along with his Kenyan counterpart Samman Vohra—both driving Skoda Fabia R5s—lead Kenya’s challenge for another podium finish. Ethiopia will be represented by Rodolfo Valeri Stefano, navigated by Hassan Katerega, in a Toyota Corolla.
Hajji Hamid Ggombe while training the martials
Confirmed Crews:
