Kananura out of Kabale Rally

Desh Kananura will not compete in the second edition of Gorillas in the Mist Rally that starts today with scrutineering in Kabale.

His withdrawal has left Ambrose Byona as the only driver from his team to battle other top drivers in the event that incidentally has two sections named after the teammates. 

Kananura's withdraw due to health reasons has left Byona unfazed and he has has vowed to challenge the top drivers.

Byona navigated by Derrick Lubambula in a Mitsubishi Evo9 derives the confidence from last year's showing when he beat top drivers including national rally champions Jas Mangat, Ronald Ssebuguzi and Arthur Blick Jr in the seventh section of MOSAC Rally to secure a podium finish. 

"We are going for a win and I'm confident we can win this rally because all those drivers besides fearing the wet slippery routes are not familiar with Kabale's terrain which gives me an advantage," Byona stated.

He added that he will attack right from the first and second sections which are 12km each. 

"In Mbarara if it was not the right hand handle to break, we were beating them and this is the time to collect maximum points for my NRC title chase" he added.

However Byona has got a tough task ahead if he is to fulfil his dream in the two day event which has Ssebuguzi, Blick, Kuku Ranjit, Godfrey Lubega, Duncan Mubiru and Mbarara rally winner Omar Mayanja also targeting wins in the event .   

The race has 13 competitive sections covering over 321km of which 208km are competitive and 178km are liaison. 

Gorilla in the Mist Rally

Friday: Scrutineering

Saturday & Sunday: Competitive sections

Standings

Omar Mayanja 100pts

Ronald Ssebuguzi 75

Duncan Mubiru 60

Christakis Fitidis 50

Ambrose Byona 40

Musa Kabega 35

Godfrey Lubega 30

Ryazi Kurji 25

Fred Busulwa 20

Dr. Ashraf Muhammad 15