Ugandan motorsports face an escalating crisis as rally drivers demand a portion of the UGX 3 billion allocated annually to the Federation of Motorsports Clubs in Uganda (FMU). Disputes between drivers and the FMU, which began in 2023, have intensified, with drivers arguing that as the backbone of the sport, they deserve a share of the funding. FMU officials, however, insist that the funds are strictly for administrative purposes, a stance that has fueled frustrations among competitors who feel sidelined despite their financial sacrifices to sustain motorsport in the country.
Prominent rally driver Nasser Mutebi recently voiced his grievances, citing a lack of tangible support from FMU. He recounted incidents where drivers were left to fend for themselves during major events, including the Pearl of Africa Rally, where FMU allegedly failed to deliver promised fuel sponsorship. Mutebi went further to claim that some drivers were defrauded of $200 by the Federation and that even basic necessities like water and food were often unavailable on race days. These concerns highlight the growing rift between the Federation and the very athletes who keep the sport alive.
Further complicating the situation, FMU’s accounts were frozen last year following governance and accountability complaints filed with the Inspector General of Government (IGG). Newly elected FMU President Jimmy Akena acknowledged that the account freeze has crippled the Federation’s operations, leaving them with only a fraction of their expected government funding. This financial gridlock has exacerbated tensions, as drivers continue to demand greater transparency and equitable resource distribution.
The ongoing standoff threatens to derail Ugandan motorsport, echoing similar governance failures that have crippled other disciplines like netball and kickboxing. Without urgent intervention, the sport risks stagnation, potentially driving away sponsors, competitors, and fans alike. It remains imperative for FMU and the drivers to find common ground, ensuring that motorsport in Uganda not only survives but thrives in the years to come.
