Rally driver Kananura eyes NRC title

Last year's Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally winner Desh Kananura has vowed to win the Lato Milk Mbarara rally on Saturday and Sunday in Masaka and Mbarara districts as a starting point for his quest for this year's National Rally Championship (NRC).

Kananura spoke to New Vision at his Panamera Bar and Restaurant, Naguru.

"Winning the Pearl of Africa last year, finishing third in both the Mountain of the Moon in Fort Portal and the MOSAC Elgon rally gives me confidence that I can win the Mbarara rally."

Mechanics were seen busy fixing his New Mitsubishi EvoX "The Beast" that arrived in the country early this week.

"Last year we were testing the EvoX and getting familiar with the new technology but now we are familiar with the car and I want this year's NRC," Kananura added.

Meanwhile Ponsiano Lwakataka is confident of a podium finish because his driving skills are "family-born".

Lwakataka talks to the media at Mulago where he had his rally car on display ahead of the Mbarara Rally. (Credit: Johnson Were)

He said this to the media at Mulago Hospital ground where he held his first public appearance after being released from jail.

"My one-and-half year incarceration in jail did not in any way affect my driving skills and talent but only my wealth. That is why I cannot assure anybody of NRC title because now I am dependent on fans for financial support."

 "Tell those Ebisodde (EvoX) owners that the ‘lion' has returned and they should know that rallying is not about new cars but skills," Lwakataka stressed that he respects only Arthur Blick Jr. because he is a more skilled driver.

Kananura and Lwakataka face a stiff challenge from Christakis Fitidis, Rauf Adam, 2014 NRC champion Ronald Ssebuguzi (EvoX), OiLibya sponsored Dr.Ahmed Ashraf (Subaru N14) and NRC defending champion Arthur Blick Jr (Subaru N10) in the 444.4km event.