Susan Muwonge Changes Motor Sports
Woman Daring Men in Rallying in Africa
Uganda’s Super Lady Suzan Muwonge has become the first Ugandan woman to win a national Motor Rally championship event after she cruised to victory in the UMOSPOC Rally Challenge on July 19.
Muwonge who was driving in a Subaru N4, outpaced 18-year old Shafiq Ssemuju, in a Subaru Imprezza N10 (2nd position) and Godfrey Lubega who came third. This is the first national title she has won, but it reflects on her big dare attitude.
In the last one and half decades, names like Charles Muhangi, Emma Kato, Karim Hirji, Moses Lumala, Charlie Lubega and Kaka Junior were synonymous with motor rallying in Uganda. When they decided to ease off their gas pedals, Ugandan motor rally fans were convinced that it was the end of the sport in the country.
Humble Lady Rules Motor Spot
The emergence of the sensational talent of “super lady” Susan Muwonge, made many Ugandans realize that motor sport is an area where women and not-so-rich people can compete and succeed. Muwonge is neither rich nor a man. She gets the surname Muwonge from her husband Lawrence. Susan and Lawrence Muwonge are both teachers (one of the lowest paying jobs in the country) at St Francis Junior School.
The 34-year-old Susan Muwonge came into the limelight in 2007 when she shocked everyone at the Pearl of Africa Rally (an international championship). As Uganda's pre-race favourites, including Ronald Ssebuguzi and Ponsiono Lwakataka found it hard to cope with the pace set by foreign drivers, Muwonge held firm, ate the dust and wrestled with African greats in the form of Azar Anwar and Zimbabwean speed merchant Rautenbach to post a 5th place finish from a field of over twenty drivers in world class racing cars. That was how Musonge got the name tag Super Lady.
Inspiration from Dad
She grew up a simple daughter of Fred Ssansa and Regina Namukasa of Buddo, in Wakiso district. She got married to a business man, Lawrence Muwonge, with whom they have four children. Like many women, Susan is a full time mother and wife, who has to supplement her family income by teaching.
But where did she get the inspiration to join motor racing? Muwonge says that her love for the sport dates way back to her childhood when she used to torment men in bicycle races " I remember winning several open bicycle races while still studying for my O'levels at St Henry's, Buyege", she says.
She says that her father was once a prominent figure in motorcycle racing, only retiring after a nasty accident. She got more inspiration in the 2002 Champions sprint where Leila Mayanja and Rosette Lwakataka (Ponsiano Lwakataka's wife) locked horns with men. "I saw Leila and Rosette competing with men and I was inspired to do the same. That very night I convinced my husband to buy me a racing car”.
Her husband bought her a Mitsubishi Evo II formerly owned by Lwakataka. That was all she needed to join the motor sport industry to have her own charge in speeding rally vehicles that many a women consider a taboo.
Now Susan is a lady who thrives on challenges. Her decision to compete in the male, rather than the female category in 2007 motor sprint held at Entebbe Resort Beach was viewed by many as over ambitious, given that she was a rookie. Though she didn’t win, she was among the best four. "This lady is a lion hearted driver who isn't satisfied until she beats men," her navigator Edmond Kyeyune said in an interview.
Praised by Motor Rally Greats
Charles Muhangi, one of the Uganda's best known motor rallying aces describes Susan as a big talent. "She is rare talent and it is only a matter of gaining experience that separates her from winning the major titles."
"She has a bright future," attests another former national champion, Charlie Lubega.
Susan attributes her success in rally sport to her husband who she says is her chief financier and fan. "Motor rallying is associated with finance. It is my husband's financial backbone that has enabled me to compete in the sport," she says.
She says it is important for a wife to feel free with their husband by telling him about her (wife’s) dreams and communicate well with the husband to give the wife the necessary support. “Mutual trust and support from your partner is important if you are to be successful in what you do. I’m happy my husband has been supportive and trusts me despite being in a competition with many male fans.”
Susan to Conquer African Motor Rally
Like any other ambitious Ugandan rallying person, Susan’s dreams rotate around emulating Charles Muhangi who conquered Africa in 1998. "My dream is winning the African crown," says Susan, whose hobbies include swimming and listening to music.
With such determination and talent, Susan’s emergence will not stop only at establishing star status in the rallying sport, but also change the face of motor sport in Uganda by erasing the old perception that this game is meant only for rich men.
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