Lwakataka eyes late Rajiv Ruparelia's Volkswagen Proto

The future of late Rajiv Ruparelia's Volkswagen Proto has become a major talking point in Uganda's motorsport fraternity, with veteran driver Ponsiano Lwakataka emerging as a potential buyer.

For Lwakataka, acquiring the car would preserve a close friend's legacy while giving him machinery capable of competing against modern rally cars.

Rajiv campaigned two iconic cars, a Mitsubishi Evolution X and a Volkswagen Proto. Following his untimely death, Lwakataka has appealed to the Ruparelia family to allow him to race the Proto as a fitting tribute.

Reports of a potential sale first surfaced through family associate Sayid Kakeeto, who noted both cars were available with spare parts for approximately $200,000. However, Rajiv's sister, Sheena Ruparelia, clarified that the family is not actively seeking buyers.

Ponsiano Lwakataka's Subaru

Despite that, the Mitsubishi Evolution X was sold to rally driver Ambrose Byoona for his son, Zack. Attention has now shifted to the Volkswagen Proto.

To raise funds, Lwakataka has put his Subaru Impreza N12B on the market for sh90 million. "I want to compete on equal terms with the Proto cars dominating our championship," he said.

Despite driving a 20-year-old car, Lwakataka won four of seven national rally events in 2025 before his title challenge was derailed by retirements.

Motorsport engineer Moses Matovu supports the upgrade, noting modern Proto and R5 cars are lighter, faster, and more advanced. Fellow driver Hajji Musa Mulika called Lwakataka "one of the finest rally drivers Uganda has produced."

With nearly eight Proto cars now in Uganda, competition has never been fiercer. Securing Rajiv's Proto would place an iconic car back on the stages—a fitting tribute to a man who left a lasting mark on Ugandan motorsport.