Ugandan rally driver Ronald Ssebuguzi has come under renewed scrutiny after using a recent media appearance to question the sporting knowledge and engagement of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda leadership.
His remarks have been met with pushback from officials and observers who point to extensive evidence that contradicts his claims.
Ssebuguzi argued that FMU management lacks a sporting background and suggested that federation leaders should rely more on veteran competitors for guidance. He also claimed that the president does not follow up with drivers or congratulate winners.
Internal records and publicly known sporting profiles indicate a different picture. The FMU executive is stacked with former competitors, long time technical figures, and administrators with decades of hands-on involvement. President Akena is a rider and a rider parent.
Vice President Gombe has been a rally driver and an administrator since the earliest days of FMU. Deputy Vice Presidents Arthur and Joshua both have competitive backgrounds, with Arthur winning titles in both riding and driving while Joshua has years of experience as a driver and technical official.
The technical strength continues across the secretariat. General Secretary Rey has served as a marshal and administrator, while Assistant General Secretary Jackson has competed as a driver. Committee member Mwangala is a rider, a rider parent, and a buggy owner. Angela, who attends less frequently, also has a riding background.
The sporting commission, which drafts and enforces competition rules, is even more steeped in competitive experience. Leon is a champion co driver at all levels. Kisitu Mayanja is a championship winning co driver and Clerk of Course. Cedric Buzabo is also a decorated co driver. Julius is a rider parent. Several deputies on the commission are former competitors.
The contradictions are sharper when viewed through Ssebuguzi’s own professional history. Two members of the sporting commission are his former co drivers. One member of FMU management is his former team mate.
Another is an active supporter of his team. This makes it difficult to reconcile his public stance with the depth of expertise and personal familiarity that already surrounds him within the federation structure.
His suggestion that the president does not congratulate winners has also been challenged by officials who note that routine communication and recognition are standard practice in FMU operations.
The push to respond to his comments is driven not by hostility but by the need for accuracy at a time when motorsport governance in Uganda is under intense public attention.
FMU leadership maintains that while criticism is welcome, it must be grounded in verifiable information.
