The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has relieved off Ugandan drivers competing in the Rwanda Mt Gorilla Rally on 22-24 in Kigali the burden of fuel during the rally.

The Federation has supported the 13 drivers with sh19m to help them in meeting their fuel expenses during the three-day rally.

National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant secretary in charge of technical matters handed over the support before flagging off the crews at the ceremony held at NCS offices in Lugogo on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

He urged the drivers to be good ambassadors of the country in the event.

The Mt Gorilla Rally is the fifth round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and Uganda has fielded 13 crews of which three are competing for the continental event and the rest just participate.

FMU deputy Vice President in charge rally Reynold Kibira address the media as secretary Irene Blick Looks on at the flag off of the rally drivers to Rwanda for the Mt Gorilla Rally. PHOTO BY JOHNSON WERE

The three contenders for the continental championship include Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba, Jas Mangat and Escatefigue Jules from France competing in the ARC1 while Innocent Bwamiki and Hamza Lwanga are in ARC 2.

Nasser navigated by Katumba in Ford Fiesta R5 leads the log with 78 points, 15 points ahead of Mangat (63) navigated by Escatefigue Jules.

“We are prepared for this event and we expect to win it. However, the least is second place,” Ali Katumba noted.

Bwamiki’s navigator Hamza Lwanga also noted that they target winning the ARC 2 and they will do their best to win the event.

“Our car is in good shape and we are ready for the challenge. For us all we want is to secure good points because there are only three events remaining on the ARC,” Lwanga said.

The event which starts on Friday with practice, qualifying stage and shakedown, will cover a 348.18 km stretch with 6 competitive stages on Saturday and Sunday.

The Zambia rally which is the sixth leg will be held in Zambia from October 20-22 and then the Tanzania Rally from November 10-12,2023.

The crews traveling include Gilberto Balondemu and Gilbert Walugyo, Issa Nyanzi and Samir Nasser, Mwami Muzamir and Kevin Lubambula, Rashid Makumbi and Lawrence Mwambazi, Isaac Sozzi and Monica Birwinyo, Muhamad Bwete and Shakirah Nabwami, Umar Dauda and Bunya Steven, Peter Kalule and David Mwesigwa, Nasser Mutebi and Mbogo Bashir & Busulwa Fred Kitaka and Kibuuka Mildred.