Fans wait eagerly for the Rukaari Mbarara Rally

Rally fans in Mbarara, Kiruhura, and Isingiro are eagerly waiting for the return of the Rukaari Mbarara Rally that is due this weekend.

It will be the first experience for the fans in Isingiro who will witness the speed and expert corner cuts by elite drivers as the organisers opted to design a section in the area, named after Lt Bright Rwamirama, running from Kaberebere, through Masha, and to Kakoba.

The fans in the Ankole region have always been entertained and enjoyed the super special stage, but unlike last year when this stage was held at the Mwesigwa Resort Hotel in Sanga, Kiruhura, the section will be staged at Booma grounds in the heart of Mbarara City.

Fans darlings Jas Mangat, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Duncan Muburi ‘Kikankane’, Yasin Nasser, Hassan Alwi, home boys Jonas Kansime, Aine Sodo, Didas Matsiko, Happy David Katehangwa, and Yasin Mukasa, in addition to reigning NRC champion Bayron Rugomoka, will be the drivers to watch, while last year’s winner Ponsiano Lwakataka and Rajiv Ruparellia will not take part.

The drivers will compete in the first section named Mwesigwa Rukaari, which starts from Mwesigwa resort to Biharwe for 44.46km and the Bam Petroleum section from Biharwe to Kakoba for 15.5km before the 4.12km special sprint stage at Booma.

Day two will see competition in 4 sections, the Ex-Effect section running from Ibanda road to Biharwe for 25.78km, repeating the Bam petroleum section, do the Bishop Jungu Kainobwisho section of 9.31km, the Bright Rwamirama section from Kaberebere to Kakoba for 19.3km for a total competitive distance 134km and liaison 78.5k.

The Rukaari-Mbarara Rally has always had its fortunes, for whoever wins it, goes on to win the NRC accolade.

The event is sponsored by Mwesigwa Rukaari in conjunction with EX-Effect, La Rooftop, and Bam petrol station, among others.

Fans’ reactions

1-Amon Majid-I am a strong supporter of this sport and I love to watch it, and most importantly that we make money out of it and I will still use the opportunity to make more.

2-Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari-Mbarara residents should embrace this event so they make money. It also comes as a tourism associate and all the related tourism profits will be here for the three days the event is here.

3-Ambrose Mukwaya-I have been a fan of rally cars for years and have decided to show this by supporting one of the drivers Yasin Mukasa and I am waiting to how he competes. I am also happy that we shall be able to make some money.

Past Mbarara rally winners

2022-Ponsiano Lwakataka

2021-Not held due to covid 19

2020-Duncan Mubiru

2019-Jas Mangat

2018-Jas Mangat

2017-Omar Mayanja

2016-Ronald Ssebuguzi

2015-Duncan Mubiru

2014-Duncan Mubiru

2013-Ponsiano Lwakataka

2012-Jas Mangat

2011-Susan Muwonge

2010-Ponsiano Lwakataka

2009-Ronald Ssebuguzi

2008-Dr Ahmed Ashraf

2007-Ponsiano Lwakataka