Lwakataka, the rally ace
Ponsiano Mutawunga Lwakataka, is the new national rally champion. He is a businessman who, despite his lifestyle, defied the odds and accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour. Below are excerpts.
By Pidson Kareire
Did you get saved because you are rich?
I got money when I was 18 years old. I enjoyed my life. It is high time I prepared my soul for eternal life. I went to church because of miracles. My hand was broken and got a paralysis. I had tried all medical avenues in vain. However, when I approached prophet Sam Kakande, he prayed for my hand and it got healed. I was even worried because I was about to miss rallies. There is no way you can separate me from God.
Has being saved changed your lifestyle?
Yes. I have changed because I used to drink a lot but I stopped. I am now sober 24 hours a day. I used to go to nightclubs but today I instead go for fellowship that has changed me positively.
What is your real name?
I am called Ponsiano Mutawunga ‘Lwakataka’.
Why did you change your name to Lwakataka?
I did not change. Lwakataka was my father’s nickname and because we all resembled him, they (the locals) preferred to call us Lwakataka instead of our original names. But what made it popular was the motor sport fraternity.
Do you have a village?
Yes. I was born in Kanabulamu, Rakai district to late Paul Lukwago and Veronica Namuddu in 1972.
What attracted you to rallying?
I first rode motorbikes but when I fractured my leg, my pals advised me to try motor sport. They told me it was safer to drive a rally car than a bike. That is how I entered motor sport. I started driving in September 2000 in the Total Pearl of Africa Independence Rally.
Was it money that pushed you to motor sport?
It is not money because I started with an old car, which I bought at sh3.5m. I was poor.
What do you do to protect your wife from the drooling rally fans?
Nothing. (laughs) I trust her. I have stayed with her for more than a decade, actually 12 years. I got her when she was 16 years old and she has never gone wrong. So, the stubborn fans cannot do anything. Many of them know her as Maama Boss.
Does it mean you defiled her?
In actual sense I did but in Africa it does not matter as long as she can understand a few basics of running a home and if she can be a bit comfortable there, it’s kawa.
What do you do for survival?
I am a director of Uganda Marines, which supplies fish and processes it in Uganda. I am even the chairman of Uganda Fish Suppliers. I am actually a businessman.
What would you ask God if you met Him today?
I would ask him to get me a comprehensive sponsorship so that I can sustain my rallying spirit. You see motor sport is very expensive. You need a lot of money to stay an active participant.
What toys do you buy for your kids?
I have realised my children love rallying. But because it is too early for them to drive, I buy them small bikes that they enjoy riding. I buy simple toys from Japan and they are ever happy and healthy.
What is your nickname at home?
They call me boss.
What is your latest time you go home?
8:00pm.
Have you ever thought about helping your wife with domestic chores?
I am very busy all the time at home I do computer work. This leaves me with no time to help her with domestic chores but I don’t find it a problem helping her especially when I see her burdened with too much chores.
What makes you happy?
Rallying of course, but I hate lies and liars irritate me.
Does your wife kneel down when greeting you?
Yes she does. She cannot greet me standing because she is a Muganda who was brought up under strict cultural parents. She, too respects her culture. Besides, it is a sign of respect.
What secret do you have in Subaru?
I enjoy Subaru so much. It is comfortable and fit. You see, I like unique things and modern ones too. A subaru is one of such. A subaru rules the world even when you go to Japan it is regarded highly.
What is your dream car?
Subaru was one of those cars but at the moment I would be happy if I got a pontiac.
Had you ever thought about becoming rich when you were young?
I was born when the economy was dominated by magendo (smuggling) and rich men in our area had pomp and were flamboyant. I used to admire them and their lifestyle. I prayed to be like them, but to achieve my vision I worked hard. I don’t think I am very rich but I appreciate what I have and I thank God for that.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I enjoy playing pool and sometimes go to a sauna, but as a family, we normally go to beaches whenever we feel like relaxing.
How do you call your wife at home?
I call her mama boss.
Do you have pets?
I don’t have any because they need more attention. I am a busy man. Maybe I have not yet realised their importance.
Which local artiste takes your vote?
Ronald Mayinja of Eagles Production. I find his music interesting and meaningful.
What would make you kill someone?
If I get someone with my wife in bed. I swear it would be bad because it would be beyond my control and this could lead me to committing murder-related problems.
Did you set qualities before marrying Rose?
Our love was love at first sight. However, I wanted a honest woman and this young girl passed the test.
Ends
Did you get saved because you are rich?
I got money when I was 18 years old. I enjoyed my life. It is high time I prepared my soul for eternal life. I went to church because of miracles. My hand was broken and got a paralysis. I had tried all medical avenues in vain. However, when I approached prophet Sam Kakande, he prayed for my hand and it got healed. I was even worried because I was about to miss rallies. There is no way you can separate me from God.
Has being saved changed your lifestyle?
Yes. I have changed because I used to drink a lot but I stopped. I am now sober 24 hours a day. I used to go to nightclubs but today I instead go for fellowship that has changed me positively.
What is your real name?
I am called Ponsiano Mutawunga ‘Lwakataka’.
Why did you change your name to Lwakataka?
I did not change. Lwakataka was my father’s nickname and because we all resembled him, they (the locals) preferred to call us Lwakataka instead of our original names. But what made it popular was the motor sport fraternity.
Do you have a village?
Yes. I was born in Kanabulamu, Rakai district to late Paul Lukwago and Veronica Namuddu in 1972.
What attracted you to rallying?
I first rode motorbikes but when I fractured my leg, my pals advised me to try motor sport. They told me it was safer to drive a rally car than a bike. That is how I entered motor sport. I started driving in September 2000 in the Total Pearl of Africa Independence Rally.
Was it money that pushed you to motor sport?
It is not money because I started with an old car, which I bought at sh3.5m. I was poor.
What do you do to protect your wife from the drooling rally fans?
Nothing. (laughs) I trust her. I have stayed with her for more than a decade, actually 12 years. I got her when she was 16 years old and she has never gone wrong. So, the stubborn fans cannot do anything. Many of them know her as Maama Boss.
Does it mean you defiled her?
In actual sense I did but in Africa it does not matter as long as she can understand a few basics of running a home and if she can be a bit comfortable there, it’s kawa.
What do you do for survival?
I am a director of Uganda Marines, which supplies fish and processes it in Uganda. I am even the chairman of Uganda Fish Suppliers. I am actually a businessman.
What would you ask God if you met Him today?
I would ask him to get me a comprehensive sponsorship so that I can sustain my rallying spirit. You see motor sport is very expensive. You need a lot of money to stay an active participant.
What toys do you buy for your kids?
I have realised my children love rallying. But because it is too early for them to drive, I buy them small bikes that they enjoy riding. I buy simple toys from Japan and they are ever happy and healthy.
What is your nickname at home?
They call me boss.
What is your latest time you go home?
8:00pm.
Have you ever thought about helping your wife with domestic chores?
I am very busy all the time at home I do computer work. This leaves me with no time to help her with domestic chores but I don’t find it a problem helping her especially when I see her burdened with too much chores.
What makes you happy?
Rallying of course, but I hate lies and liars irritate me.
Does your wife kneel down when greeting you?
Yes she does. She cannot greet me standing because she is a Muganda who was brought up under strict cultural parents. She, too respects her culture. Besides, it is a sign of respect.
What secret do you have in Subaru?
I enjoy Subaru so much. It is comfortable and fit. You see, I like unique things and modern ones too. A subaru is one of such. A subaru rules the world even when you go to Japan it is regarded highly.
What is your dream car?
Subaru was one of those cars but at the moment I would be happy if I got a pontiac.
Had you ever thought about becoming rich when you were young?
I was born when the economy was dominated by magendo (smuggling) and rich men in our area had pomp and were flamboyant. I used to admire them and their lifestyle. I prayed to be like them, but to achieve my vision I worked hard. I don’t think I am very rich but I appreciate what I have and I thank God for that.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I enjoy playing pool and sometimes go to a sauna, but as a family, we normally go to beaches whenever we feel like relaxing.
How do you call your wife at home?
I call her mama boss.
Do you have pets?
I don’t have any because they need more attention. I am a busy man. Maybe I have not yet realised their importance.
Which local artiste takes your vote?
Ronald Mayinja of Eagles Production. I find his music interesting and meaningful.
What would make you kill someone?
If I get someone with my wife in bed. I swear it would be bad because it would be beyond my control and this could lead me to committing murder-related problems.
Did you set qualities before marrying Rose?
Our love was love at first sight. However, I wanted a honest woman and this young girl passed the test.
Ends