The car that carried Ronald Ssebuguzi back into Uganda’s rally history books is set for a change of address. The 2025 Uganda National Rally Championship-winning Ford Fiesta Proto has found a new home and will leave Butikiro — the base of KR Ssebuguzi Motor Garage — at the end of the current season.
Starting next season, the iconic red Proto will be based in Namugongo-Sonde, Kikulu Zone — the home of seasonal rally driver Abdul Kateete and his 444 Racing Team.
Sources indicate the move will only happen after the car completes its final season with Ssebuguzi, who is backed by Shell V-Power, Centenary Bank and Rose Foam Mattresses.
FROM ROCKY START TO CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY
The Ford Proto has been central to Ssebuguzi’s recent resurgence. He took control of the car in 2022, with its competition debut at the UMC Fort Portal Tourism City Rally — an outing that ended in a DNF.
Since that difficult start, the car has built an impressive record: 28 events, 11 podiums, only 2 DNFs – and 1 National Championship
Most importantly, it delivered Ssebuguzi his fourth national title in 2025, after previous crowns in 2006, 2009 and 2014. The feat made him only the fourth driver in Ugandan history to win the championship four times — and it came after an 11-year wait for his next crown.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR BOTH
For Kateete’s 444 Racing Team, inheriting a proven, podium-capable machine with serious pedigree on Uganda’s demanding stages is a major boost.
For Ssebuguzi, the move signals something bigger — with the four-time champion reportedly now hunting for a modern R5 machine for his next chapter.
He’s won it in a Celica, an Evo and now a Proto. The red Ford may be leaving Butikiro, but its legacy is secured — as the car that completed one of Ugandan rallying’s great comebacks.
