By Priscilla Sarah Nakimbugwe
In the high-octane world of Ugandan motorsport, one name continues to echo across circuits and among fans — Ibrahim Lubega, famously known as PASUWA. Born in 1985, Pasuwa’s journey is not only a tale of championship glory but also of passion, perseverance, and legacy. A four-time Champion, Pasuwa has become a symbol of inspiration for a new generation of rally enthusiasts in Uganda and beyond.
Pasuwa’s love affair with rallying began at the tender age of six. Growing up near a road that frequently saw rally cars thundering past, young Ibrahim would stand in awe, eyes wide with wonder. At that time, his uncle Adam Mukasa was already competing, racing alongside legends like Ronald Ssebuguzi and Ponsiano Lwakataka in his Toyota Carina. Another major influence was Hajji Musa Muliika, also a rally driver and a family member. With motorsport in his blood and idols at home, Pasuwa grew up as a devoted fan of rallying — for over 30 years — long before he ever got behind the wheel himself.
Though he was a lifelong rally fanatic, Pasuwa never imagined becoming a competitor. That changed in 2018, thanks to the late Moses Ssebugulu, may his soul rest in peace, his beloved uncle and his greatest believer. Moses saw potential in Pasuwa’s natural instincts and driving style. Encouraged by his uncle’s confidence, the two began transforming a humble Toyota Corolla FX into a competitive rally car — a vehicle that would soon write history in Ugandan motorsport.
In March 2019, Pasuwa entered his first rally event at the Festino Citi CMC Challenge Rally in Mukono, serving as a route opener (Triple 000). That was the moment everything changed. He quickly progressed through Autocross, a mandatory stage for all new drivers, and his performances in Sisa, Kayunga- Baale earned him a promotion to the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) the same year.
He went on to win the CRC Championship 2019, with standout performances, including his debut at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally and a decisive final race in Kapeeka, where he triumphed over the late Rajiv Ruparelia — another rising star that year in the sport.
After a brief interruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pasuwa returned in 2021 alongside his trusted co driver Moustapha Kanakulya with a vengeance. Through grueling events in Ssembabule, Mityana-Kassanda, and Hoima, he once again stood tall — the 2WD Champion of 2021.
In 2022, the crown narrowly slipped from his grasp, as he finished second overall. But setbacks only made him stronger. In 2023, the duo Pasuwa and Kanakulya returned more focused, more disciplined, and more determined than ever. Their performances were unmatched, and he reclaimed his throne as 2WD Champion once again.
And if 2023 was about redemption, 2024 was domination. The rallies roared with one name — Pasuwa. With consistent top-tier finishes, he once again captured the 2WD title, becoming a four-time champion and solidifying his status as a living legend of Ugandan rallying.
This year, Pasuwa is competing not just to win, but to inspire. Although Mansoor Lubega currently leads the 2025 table with 52.5 points and Pasuwa holds 15 points, the champion is far from done. In a recent interview with Pearl Sports UG, Pasuwa made it clear: “Let the engines roar — I’m coming.” With an upcoming race in Jinja and Kayunga organised by Eastern Motor Club, he promises to close the gap and rise again.
More than trophies, Pasuwa now races to honor the memory of Rajiv Ruparelia, a fellow driver and friend. He will also compete in the Uga Bet AutoCross Championship to support and mentor the next generation of motorsport talent. Driving alongside junior co-driver Erick Ssenono, Pasuwa is planting seeds for the future of rallying in Uganda.
Ibrahim Lubega, aka Pasuwa, has proved time and again that champions are made not just from speed, but from heart, resilience, and a deep-rooted love for the sport. From a six-year-old spectator by the roadside to a four-time national champion, his journey is nothing short of epic.
For young drivers, fans, and future champions — the message is clear: Believe in yourself, build your path, and let your engine do the talking. Because in the world of motorsport, as Pasuwa says:
“It’s for the big boys with the big foot — and I’m just getting started.
