Legendary former National Rally Championship (NRC) champion Moses Lumala has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) in 2028.
Lumala, a celebrated figure in Ugandan motorsport, shared the development on Tuesday ahead of the highly anticipated Mbarara Rally, which he will sponsor 80%.
The event, named the “Lumala at 60 and Mum at 90” Mbarara Rally, is dedicated to his 60th birthday and his mother, Maxembla Khayanga’s 90th birthday, both of which fall on January 22 and the event is scheduled for Friday 25 and Saturday 26 in Mbarara.
Honoring an Inspirational Mother
Speaking about his mother, Lumala described her as a source of strength and motivation.
Despite not receiving formal education, he credits her for instilling in him the values of hard work, resilience, and determination.
“My mother is a true inspiration. She didn’t go to school, but she taught us so much about life and striving for success.”
“ It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with her,” Lumala said.
Reflections on Motorsport Generations
Lumala reflected on the differences between his era and the current generation in motorsport, emphasizing how the sport has evolved over the years.
“In our days, we were so passionate and competitive. We had sponsors who truly believed in us, and the spirit was just different.”
“Today, that level of passion and competition isn’t the same, and that’s one of the things I want to change,” Lumala explained.
Leadership Goals: “Not Just to Lead, but to Make a Difference”
Lumala’s decision to vie for the FMU presidency has been fueled by widespread encouragement from his colleagues in motorsport.
However, he stressed that his bid is driven by a desire to bring about meaningful change rather than simply holding office.
“I’m not coming into leadership for the sake of it. I want to bring a difference, starting with scrapping the CRC (Club Rally Championship), which has outlived its purpose,” he stated.
Looking Ahead to FMU Elections and Motorsport Development
Currently, FMU is under the leadership of Jimmy Akena, who was elected president in 2024.
The 1999 and 2003 champion has pledged that if elected in 2028, he will serve no more than two terms, focusing on transparency, development, and revitalizing the sport.
“My vision is to see motorsport in Uganda thrive. I want to create an environment where drivers, sponsors, and fans can all feel proud of the sport,” Lumala said.
Excitement Builds for the Mbarara Rally
The “Lumala at 60 and Mum at 90” Mbarara Rally has already drawn significant attention, with over 44 drivers confirmed to participate, including big names like Posiano Rwakataka and Ronald Ssebuguzi.
Lumala’s sponsorship of the rally underscores his dedication to motorsport and its continued growth in Uganda.
“The rally is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating milestones and bringing the motorsport community together,” Lumala remarked.
A Legacy in the Making
As Ugandan motorsport fans look forward to the Mbarara Rally and Lumala’s potential FMU leadership, his passion for the sport remains undeniable.
With a clear vision and a drive to make impactful changes, Lumala’s influence is set to grow even further, both on and off the track.