Uganda motorsport fraternity is mourning the death of FIA Safety Delegate William Louw.
The late Louw had Uganda Uganda Motorsport at heart and did all he could to save the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally from the yellow card.
To some fans he was a bully but to the sports lover he was a darling that had a heart dedicated Safety and no stage could go live without him confirming the safety of participants.
In colour, Louw was not a Ugandan, but Motorsport, he was a true Ugandan who believed in a safe rally to save the lives of every one where the rally was.
The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) vice president Hajji Hamidu Gombe described Louw as a man he personally was a friend.
“My first encounter with William was during the Pearl of Africa Rally 2024 in Jinja. He was deeply passionate about safety standards, lessons we did not fully appreciate at first, but later embraced,” Gombe said.
“Today, I can proudly say FMU Uganda greatly benefited from his guidance and commitment to safety. Let us continue to uphold the lessons he shared, even in his absence. His legacy will always remain with us. Rest in Peace, William Louw,” Gombe said with grief.
Louw will never be replaced in the history of Uganda Motorsport and in Africa it is all deep grief and Louw will be always remembered for his efforts and contributions to safe rallying.
Louw, who missed this year’s Pearl of Rally, could have lived to witness the fruits of his efforts. The safety of the 2026 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally deeply was a fruit of his contribution.
Across all stages of the rally Louw was a darling to many who loved safety and lives of all. No Stage could go live without confirming that it is safe from the beginning to the end.
He was never just an official in FIA colours, but a man of action on the ground and in charge of safety.
REST IN PEACE LOUW
