Motorsport is one of those few sports activities in which men and women can compete alongside each other equally.
In Uganda, women only make up 2 percent of the registered competitors in motor rallying.
Even with those few, the female navigators are not lauded as female drivers are.
So for the International Women’s day this year, we take a moment to shine the spotlight on the women making the difference in the local motorsport
Mildred Kibuuka
Kibuuka started her rally six years ago. And in her time, she has gone through car rolls, knock downs; mention it all. She has made several drivers to their career achievements; calling the notes for Peter Kalule enroute their 2012 Clubman Rally Championship(CRC) title.
“I love being unique along side high speeds, that’s why I joined rallying,” she told Kawowo Sports.
Kibuuka is one whose star is shining brighter with every passing rally.
Rahma Mohammed
Probably the longest serving female navigator, Rahma has lived the last seven years in motorsport navigating a line of drivers like Rose Lwakataka, Patrick Sebabulidde, John Burrows.
Susan Kalema
Only a year into the sport, Susan is a work in progress.
Partnering Kepher Walubi is the 2WD category, Kalema is determined to see her crew make it to the top. Already success is coming, as she was the best placed crew in the opening round this year.
Nanet Blick
Despite being in and out of the rally car, Nanet’s enthusiasm has never waned. Coming from a motorsport family, Nanet has found her way navigating a couple of drivers. But juggling between marshaling and navigation has all but limited her opportunity on the race tracks.
The list would be incomplete without Mariam Nambasa and Ritah Nakigozi.
The duo certainly give a boost to the generation of co-drivers.
The diligence these females have given the sport can only mean, female involvement in rally can only go one direction; up.