The Federation of Motorsport Clubs (FMU) has finally cleared the Rukaari–Lake Mburo Mbarara Rally to proceed following the compliance of Mbarara Motor Club in its preparations for the 2022 edition.

The letter sent Friday afternoon by FMU general secretary Irene Blick reads “FMU is allowing the event to proceed, by this communication, FMU has granted the club an event permit.”

The letter cancelled the earlier communication by the federation calling off the rally which was scheduled for the weekend of 21-22 January.

Fans surround Duncan Mubiru’s car during the scrutineering. Photo by Fred Turyakira

FMU claimed that the organising club Mbarara Motor Club failed to submit event documents in conformity with the recommendation of FMU and the Ministry of Works and Transport despite numerously extended deadlines.

The last-minute Zoom meeting held on Thursday with club officials yielded no results. The speed-lift instrument from the works ministry that is required for issuance of an event permit had not yet been received yet the event was to start Friday.

“It is in the interest of FMU that motorsport events are organised within the proper structures and the recommended guidelines as provided by our regulations as well as the respective line ministries,” The letter reads part.

Mechanics checking Ponsiano Lwakataka’s car. Photo by Fred Turyakira

After receiving the clearance letter, it gave hope to the organisers, drivers and motor rally lovers, the sponsor, Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari, with Mbarara Motor Club proceeding with the scrutineering rally cars held at Shell Bypass Makenke in Mbarara City.

35 Crews registered for the rally that will have sections in Mbarara and Kiruhura district on Saturday as well as a circuit at Mwesigwa Resort in Kibega in Sanga, Kiruhura district.

The notable drivers include Duncan Mubiru and his nemesis Ponsiano Lwakataka among others.