Rukaari-Lake Mburo Mbarara Rally launched

MBARARA RALLY

This year's edition of the Mbarara Motor Rally will have different and strict safety measures for the rally fans, according to the organisers.

Named Rukaari-Lake Mburo Mbarara Rally, the two-day event, which is the Federation of Motorsport Clubs in Uganda (FMU) calendar opener, will be staged in parts of Kiruhura district in the period of February 14-16.

While speaking at the launch of the event at Rukaari Resort Hotel in Sanga, Kiruhura district, new FMU vice-president (rally) Shemmy Senkatuka, called upon Mbarara Motorsport Club to take serious precautions for the safety of the fans and drivers.

"Safety of everyone at this event will be important, so let there be serious precautions to make sure that the event runs successfully," she said.

Clerk of Course David Nsobya also echoed Kabagambe's call.

"We know what happened last year, but we have put in place a good team that will ensure the safety of everyone," he said.

 

Last year, the event ended prematurely with a section to drive, after eventual winner Jas Mangat knocked dead a boda boda rider in Bukiro, Kashari.

Present at the launch were Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Uganda, Uganda Motor Club president Badru Ssebunya, Mbarara Motor Rally Club president Lillian Busingye Ssenga, among others.

 

Drivers will traverse the areas of Kiruhura district, with a special sprint stage that will be held at Rukaari Resort Hotel. It will cover a competitive distance of 160.93km.

Charles Muhangi remembered

Just like last year, the Mbarara event will also be in memory of former Africa Rally Champion Charles Muhangi, with two sections of the competition designed in his name.

This will be the first section of 30.15km that has been named Charles Muhangi, and the 4th section named Ekitaguriro, the brand name under which Muhangi won the ARC.

Muhangi passed away in December 2018.

By Wednesday evening, 10 drivers including, Dr. Ashraf and Duncan Mubiru Kikankane, and home boys Happy David Katehangwa, Didas Matsioko and Yasin Mukasa, had confirmed their participation ahead of the closure of registration on Saturday.