Capt Mike Mukula makes rallying comeback

RALLYING

After nearly three decades of being out of rallying, Capt. Mike Mukula has made a dramatic decision to return to the cockpit.

The 64-year-old, who worked as a personal pilot for President Yoweri Museveni in the late 1980s, joins 2017 National Rally Champion Christakis Fitidis, who, at 68, is still actively racing.

In fact, Fitidis is fresh from competing at the Guru-Nanak Rally in Machakos, Kenya, where he finished ninth. Compatriot Yasin Nasser finished eighth.

Sunday's rally was the first round of the Kenya National Championship and also the first round of the East Africa Rally Championship.

Meanwhile, the actual time or event Mukula will make his maiden return may not be known yet, but what is confirmed is that the former legislator and minister has a machine.


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Mukula has returned to the cockpit

He bought a Subaru Impreza N14 from rally driver Kuku Ranjit and another that Kenya driver Eric Bengi was driving before acquiring a Mitisubishi Evo10.

"We are not coming to action in the Mbarara Rally. We are still mastering the car and also working on our fitness levels before returning to full action," Mukula, a active flight captain, said after training at Busiika last weekend. 

He is expected to return to rallying with his son, for whom he bought the Subaru that Kenyan Bengi was competing in last season.

It is believed that Mukula's return to rallying will elevate the sport's popularity. A crop of other former rally drivers, including Desh Kananura, Ambrose Byona and Kharim Hirji, are reportedly also planning a comeback. 

Mukula chats with Kuku Ranjit at Busiika

When will he make his comeback debut? Only time will tell