By Douglas Mazune

Mbarara Rally results
(Top 5)
P. Lwakataka 2:02.24
N. Mutebi 2:09.12
S. Semujju 2:19.05
S. Muwonge 2:33.21
G. Lubega 2:35.43

NRC standings (top 5)
Lwakataka 100 points
N. Mutebi 75
S. Semujju 60
S. Muwonge 50
G. Lubega 45

FORMER national champion Ponsiano Lwakataka’s victory in the Mbarara rally over the weekend has cast doubt on Ronald Ssebuguzi’s ability to retain the national title.

Reigning national champion Ssebuguzi, who missed the Mbarara rally because his new Mitsubishi Evo9 did not arrive in time, admitted it would be difficult to catch with Lwakataka.

“Lwakataka has 100 points which is a huge gap. If it were some other driver, I would have used my experience to catch up,” Ssebuguzi stated.

“I am hoping that Jas Mangat and Katto will increase the level of competition in the next event –– Pearl of Africa rally,”

The Jomayi Property Consultants sponsored Ssebuguzi begins his national championship title defence in next month’s Pearl rally that also counts towards the national championship.

Lwakataka, back in the cockpit after a one-year sabbatical, said he aims to attract more fans to the sport.

“Winning the championship is obvious but I love watching senior drivers return,” Lwakataka said.