Uganda launches FIA-backed E-Sports series to discover rally talent
In a strategic move to bridge the digital and physical worlds of racing, the Federation of Motorsport Uganda (FMU) has launched its 2025 E-sport competition series. This initiative, set to begin on August 30, is designed to use the world of sim racing as a direct feeder system for real-world motorsport talent. The national series is a direct implementation of a global push by the FIA, motorsport’s world governing body.
In December 2024, the FIA World Motor Sport Council formalized E-sports by introducing Appendix E to the International Sporting Code. This creates a standardized regulatory framework for national competitions like Uganda’s series. The Ugandan series is built on a foundation of radical inclusivity, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are working tirelessly to grow the Esports discipline and provide the best possible racing experience to our competitors,” said Events Manager Leon Senyange. Assistant Deputy Vice President Raynold Kibira stated that the FMU is fully behind the project, viewing virtual racing as a conveyor belt for the next generation of rally drivers in Uganda.
“E-sports promotes mass participation by removing traditional barriers to entry like cost and location; it’s a powerful example of the equality, diversity, and inclusivity we want to champion in motor sport,” Kibira explained.
Uganda’s defending e-sport champion, Mohamad Ali, earned a spot at the FIA’s Rally Star project in South Africa last year. He competed against the continent’s best and finished an impressive 7th overall.
After a pandemic-fueled boom, the sim racing landscape has seen a plateau in growth and a decline in large-scale events. National federations like the FMU are now key to its revitalization. A central pillar of Uganda’s long-term plan involves integrating sim racing into schools, aiming to boost youth participation and secure the future of Ugandan rallying by tapping into the digital native generation.
