How youngster Bebeto thrilled fans in Mbarara Autocross

Yes, elite driver Ronald Ssebuguzi came out on top of the Rukaari-Lake Mbuuro Autocross almost unchallenged after posting a total time loss of 9:17.50 minutes to beat the rest of 17 drivers that took part in the event staged at Mwesigwa Resort in Kibega over the weekend.

But his classing pedaling coupled with the class of his car was overshadowed by youngster Kevin Bebeto’s classics as the budding driver took the hundreds of fans that turned up to watch the event, into ecstatic moments.

Kevin Bebeto powers his Toyota Run X

The 16-year-old who was powering a Toyota RunX, navigated by senior Musa Nsubuga was very steady on the wheel and showed extreme maturity to go past the corners and roundabouts.

His best run in the second round of the three left all fans including his dad Junior Kaka and family in the highest of cheering voices that host Mwesigwa Rukaari did not hesitate to offer him a pure indigenous Ankole cow.

Bebeto family happy as they followed his progress

“I am happy I got this welcome from the people of Mbarara and that we did not get any problem with the car. I am thankful to my dad for having inspired me to this sport and I feel I am doing well,” said a soft-spoken Bebeto.

Having come to the 5th round in Mbarara in second position of the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) qualification, Bebeto’s chances were brightened with the closest challenger John Kyebambe developing a mechanical problem with his car in the first round.

Home boy Christopher Kateera came atop of the category having posted 10:10.30 to finish in 6th overall with Bebeto finishing 8th overall on 10:25.20 as Kyebambe came far behind on 12:06.60.

Fast-improving Jonas Kansiime came second with a 9:25.40 minute as Musa Ssegaabwe posted a lost time of 9:34.70 to clinch third place.

It was more fan with the endure category in both the junior and senior category of riders as the fans enjoyed the classic bravery of the juniors and the two Kateete sisters Sharifa and Shamilah Kateete.

Miguel Katende came top of the juniors after beating other 5 riders in the 15 laps, with Jerome Mubiru coming second while Jonathan Katende won the 3rd position.

A young rider during Enduro Challenge

In the seniors, Scott Nicholson won the rest in the 10 laps challenge with Yassin Ssemakula coming second while female challenger Sharifah Kateete came third.

Host Mwesigwa Rukaari came out as the only competitor in the 4X4 drive, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, and navigated by Happy Katehangwa, his driving skill thrilled the hundreds of fans that turned up to watch the event.