FMU ELECTIONS: Ruparelia plans to rebrand motorsport

Former rally driver Dipu Ruparelia is one of the four candidates aspiring for the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) top seat in the elections on Saturday (February 1).

Founder and former federation president Jack Wavamunno, City Advocate Geofrey Nsamba and incumbent Dusman Okee are the other three candidates for presidency.

Ruparelia, who started rallying and retired in 2004 to stay focused on his business, wants to build the sport to a level that can motivate many more to join it and also be the top sport in the country.

Dipu Ruparelia stresses a point to UMOSPOC members on why he decided to come in the race for the management of FMU. Photo by Johnson Were

Remembered for his aggressiveness in a Datsun 710, Nissan Sylvia, Nissan 240RS (works car), Nissan pulsar, Toyota Celica GT4 and finally an EVO4 before retiring in 2004, he wants to bring such innovation his business acumenship to the sport.

"I'm here to give the sport hope and new branding that will attract corporates and more partners to the sport as it was during our active days of racing," Dipu noted.

According to Ruparelia, the hindrances of Uganda's Motorsport development is lack of a comprehensive development Strategy, a systematic and directional leadership, selective and unfair application of rules and regulations, lack of transparency, accountability and weak clubs.

Dipu Ruparelia stresses a point to UMOSPOC members on why he decided to come in the race for the management of FMU. Photo by Johnson Were

"I will bring a deliberate, structured and systematic action plan to motorsport administration that is result oriented. The plan will support and strengthen the functional and critical arms of motorsport (clubs), review performance and improve the motorsport brand to attract sponsorships," said Dipu.

The former United Motorsport Club (UMOSPOC) administrator added that his goal is to make Ugandan motorsport the most organised, envied and sought after success model in Africa.

He added that good results will be attained through ensuring capacity building. Technical training to empower the human resource and club officials will be a priority because deployments will be for only trained and licensed officials.

"These training will be mandatory and we shall also improve on their remunerations to motivate them and be dedicated to what they do," Ruparelia added.

Meanwhile, Leila Blick and Reynold Kibira are vying for the post of general secretary to replace Joseph Mwangala who has sought to contest for the post he held four years back as deputy vice president.

George Ssemakula and Kisitu Mayanja are also contesting for the DVP Motorcycling a post that was held by Barak Orland.