Mbarara Rally attracts 27 drivers

By Aloysius Byamukama

Mbarara Rally

Saturday—Sunday

THE Mbarara Western Challenge Rally that starts tomorrow through the districts of Masaka, Mbarara and Kiruhura, has attracted a record 27 drivers.

Event secretary Steven Okwonga said by close of registration, 27 crews had expressed interest in the first event on the Federation of Motorsport Uganda’s (FMU) calendar.

The two-day rally organised by Mbarara Motor Club, will start with a scrutineering exercise today at Shell Buddu in Masaka as drivers prepare for the Super Special stage tomorrow at Misaali in Masaka.

“We have all the top drivers except Ponsiano (Lwakataka) and Susan (Muwonge),” Okwonga said.

Former national champion Ronald Ssebuguzi (Mitsubishi Evo9), Duncan Mubiru ‘Kikankane’, John Consta, Nasser Mutebi and Wycliffe Bukenya are among the top drivers.

Fans yearn for Muwonge

‘Super Lady’ Susan Muwonge’s driving exploits have been among the reasons many fans in the Western Uganda districts of Bushenyi, Mbarara and Kiruhura were thronging the rally routes to watch the exciting female driver.

However, after learning that the Kobil-sponsored lady will not take part, most fans feel their hopes for a very entertaining event could be undermined. 

“I have always come for rally cars only to see Susan, I originally could not imagine a woman sitting on the steering and challenging men until I saw Muwonge. But now that she is not in, I will not enjoy the rally,” David Agaba, one of Muwonge’s fans lamented.

Muwonge, alongside another female challenger Leilla Mayanja, will not take part in this year’s Mbarara event.