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FMU Prides in Her Gallant Riders That Participated In World Championships.

FEDERATION of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU-UG) pours out praises to her gallant riders that participated in the FIM Junior Motocross World Championships in Bucharest, Romania.

The team which was fully funded by FMU using part of the resources coming from central government,initially comprised of riders 3 riders.

Two in 65cc and one rider in the 85cc whose entries were published on the FIM website after fulfillment of FIM requirements, that included payment of the rider licenses and meeting the prerequisite speeds for the championship.

Unfortunately one of the riders Larry Ssekamwa, in MX65 did not secure his Visa in time while the MX85 rep Malcom Gift Ssebuguzi suffered a prequalification crash.

This left him with multiple fractures ending the African Champion’s medal hopes and raising Uganda’s flag high in Romania.

Ultimately, Uganda managed to have one rider in Miguel Katende beating all the odds and hitting the final race in the MX65 category amongst the three that had travelled to Romania.

Miguel became just one of three Africans in the final race of the elite world’s fastest 40 riders, together with two South Africans.

He is set to lock horns with them again in Cape Town at the African Championship.

Uganda’s second rider in same class and younger brother to Miguel, Jonathan Katende didn’t make it through the final qualifiers.

The team returns on Tuesday morning aboard Fly Dubai with Gift Ssebuguzi who painfully watched the race proceedings in casts on both legs, returning in a wheel chair.

Nevertheless, the FMU delegation and motocross fraternity will be at Entebbe Airport to receive them.

“We are glad to have had riders represent the Country at world championships for the first time ever, that alone is big milestone, then having rider qualify into the finals is a sound out to the world that Uganda exists in motocross,” proudly spoke out, FMU Deputy Vice President Motorcycling, Kisitu Mayanja.

Mayanja added: “Our gallant riders are returning home tomorrow (Tuesday) from world championships, big thanks go out to FMU Management, for having fully facilitated the team, as we look forward to the next International competitions in Cape Town, South Africa.”

In an unprecedented move, FMU fulfilled its August 2022 declaration to send riders to the World Championships when MXOAN event secretary at the time, Mr. Rey Kibira revealed to the press that after hosting the African event.

FMU was going to focus on sending riders to the world championships. One year later, FMU President, Dipu Ruparelia and his Management Team voted to fully fund the team including airticket fares for all riders and support team, hire bikes for each rider, pay a team mechanic in Romania and take care of the team’s accommodation expenses.

This becomes the first of its kind in the history of the sport and is owed to the improved relationship between the Federation and the Government.

Uganda is set to send a team of over 60 riders to the FIM-AFRICA Motocross of African Nations( MXOAN) slated for 11th-13th August, 2023.

Posted by Patrick

How can Uganda tap into Safari rally economic gains?

 

By Frank Kaheesi
WITH a consistent provision of big fan base on the continent and across her borders, Uganda needs to tap into the economic gains attached to rallies like WRC safari rally.

Many questions are left un answered, like what do Ugandan rally fans gain from trekking journeys to watch cross-border rallies, does their home government sponsor them, or what are the returns for their spent monies.

A confession came out of Safari rally host president,William Ruto, who was the chief Guest at the ceremonial flagg off of 2023 WRC safari rally, out poured that: He wondered why many Uganda flags were raised high at racing zone unlike the hosts.

This comes at a time, when Uganda misses to have a representative at this year edition, as the crew of Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba withdrew their entry at last minute due to budget.

Uganda has a rich attached history to the Safari rally, with a number of her celebrated legend drivers taking part such as the lates Shekhar Mehtar who won the Safari a record 5times, Asuman Junju, Sospeter Munyegera,Charles Muhangi, Frank Nekusa,major David Ndahura, plus the living ones.

They marked their names on the Continent’s top tie event, and live to be celebrated by lovers of the sport.

It’s on record, Kenya financial gain from WRC Safari rally for 2021-22 editions through tourism and other incomes generated 456.5 million US dollars( 63 billions kenyan shillings).

The rally also generated million views on social media and global media platforms, outs Kenya at a higher pointer of tourism.

With the high addiction Ugandans have for rallying, how can they gain from the big generated income returns our neighbours reap from the Safari.

Simple answer or formulae could be, supporting crews that have compatible machines to race at WRC event.

At official flagg off car at Uhuru Park on Thursday, world champion Sebastian Ogier,confessed that; ” I can’t imagine the Love Ugandans have for rally, as the WRC Safari rally seems like their home event.”

” Can’t imagine, how someone drives his posh Mercedez Benz from Kampala, to Kenya just to watch rally, have you ever seen any Kenyan doing so,?” a kenyan police officer was heard asking a colleague with whom they were guarding VIP parking lot at Kasarani special stage.

Aday earlier, another official at shakedown in Loldia when clearing fans was heard saying; It’s the continued support these Ugandans have given that has kept the Safari live.”

When contacted on same issue, Uganda’s vice president motor rallying present at the Safari, Reynold Kibira intimated ; Rallying is like a religion in our country, we can only support our fans cause by helping out our drivers be part of Safari.

The seventh round of the World rally championship, attracted 32 entries, running for four days in and around the beautiful scenaries of Kenya with climax set for Sunday afternoon.

Posted by Patrick

Dr Ashraf opens rallying doors for sons.

 

2008 double National rally champion Dr Ahmed Ashraf opens rallying doors for his teen sons, Ali Mohammed and Ahmed Anees Mohammed.

Mohammed ,the 2022 Uganda FIA digital rally star who represented the country at Africa Continental finals in South Africa same year, is into full rallying 2023.

The 20 year-old Mohammed, co-driven by his younger brother Ahmed Anees Mohmmedin a subaru Impreza N14 formerly driven by their father, posted impressive stage times on their long distance racing debut during the Kabalega rally.

They finished second behind the Clubman rally Championship class winner Joshua Muwanguzi, who beat them by just one minute 13.05 seconds.

“Am backing up the boys for full season racing,am left for the East African Safari classic, and have embarked on the preparations of the car am to use,” confessed Dr Ashraf, who flanked the boys at Kabalega rally flag-off.

Just as her husband, Zaira Ashraf was impressed by her sons’ perfomance at the two day event.

“The boys have been able to bring back the car intact just as their father does,more exciting with good times,” said Zaira at prize giving.

The Ali Racing team manager added, the two medical students, are planned to have enough racing time, as their father who too is a practicing medical doctor guides them.
END.
Author: Frank Kaheesi

Posted by Patrick

Nasser takes ARC lead after Pearl 2023 win

RESULTS (ARC)
1. Yasin Nasser / Ali Katumba (Ford Fiesta R5) Rally2/ARC 2:40:41
2. Rio Smith / Riyaz Ismail (Subaru Impreza GVB) RC2/NR4/ARC 2:47:50
3. Jas Mangat / Joseph Kamya (Mitsubishi EvoX) RC2/R4/ARC 2:47:53
4. Innocent Bwamiki / Hamza Lwanga (Evo 9) RC2/ARC 3:41:26
ARC standing
1- Yasin Nasser 54 pts
2- Jas Mangat 42
3- Karen Patel 30
4- Rio Smith 24

 

Yasin Nasser/ Ali Katumba in Ford Fiesta R5 has taken over the lead of
the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) after winning the 24 th edition of
the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2023 in a time of 2:40:41.
It was a sweet win for the Moil sponsored Rally crew after being given a
10 minutes penalty for missing the final competitive section Edwin
Kalule ( 24.61km) on Saturday (Day One) with a steering wheel problem.

 

“It was a challenging rally worth a smile at the end of the day, winning
the ARC and finishing as the third best local in the NRC,” Nasser said.
He added: We are now looking forward to Rally of Tanzania in July to
strengthen our top position in ARC.
Nasser finished second in the Equator Rally Kenya in March 2023.

Kenya driver Rio Smith driving with Riyaz Ismail in a Subaru Impreza
GVB was equally thrilled with his second place in a time of 2:47:50
which guaranteed him his first points in the ARC title race.
“It was an amazing experience moving from a 2wd to 4wd. We have
enjoyed ourselves to the position finish and picking our first ARC
points” Uganda has incredibly good technical roads that have
everything not forgetting the fans that attribute the win for their
motivation,” he said.
Jas Mangat/ Joseph Kamya in Mitsubishi Evo X like Nasser encountered
a torrid day one aftert penalized 20 minutes for missing two
competitive sections (Scoul 2- 18.45km and Edwin Kalule- 24.61km).
But Jas winner of last year’s event bounced back to finish third in a time
of 2:47:53, seven minutes behind the leader.
Mangat said: “It was crucial to battle to the last hour as his main focus
was to pick the vital points for Pearl and be ahead of Karen Patel before
round four Tanzania Rally in July.

Posted by Patrick

Kikankane finally Pearl Rally winner

Duncan Mubiru / Joseph Bongole (Ford Fiesta Proto)
2:30:54
Byron RUGOMOKA / Hakim Mawanda (Mitsubishi EvoX)
2:32:30
Yasin Nasser / Ali Katumba (Ford Fiesta R5)
2:39:54
Alwi Hassan/ Hussien Mukuye (Subaru N14)
2:45:21
Jas Mangat / Joseph Kamya (Mitsubishi Evo X)
2:45:25
Oascar Ntambi/ Muhammed Asuman (Toyota Alteza)
2:52:46
Ibrahim Lubega / Mustapha Kanakulya (Toyota Corolla Fx)
3:02:23
Umar Kakyama / Robert Katabalwa (Ford Fiesta) 3:16:34
Abasi Mayinja / Geofrey Sserwoga (Subaru N10) 3:16:46
Isaac Ssozi/ Jackson Sserwanga (Subaru Impreza)
3:21:16
Fred Kitaka/ Mildred Kibuuka (Subaru N10)
3:21:16:45
Mansoor Lubega/ Arthur Lugoloobi (Toyota Trueno)
3:21:45
Rashid Makumbi/ Yusuf Babu (Mitsubishi Evo X)
3:25:12
Mustapha Mukasa/ Lawrence Mwambazi (Subaru Impreza)
3:28:33

Muzamir Watolya/Kevin Lubambula (Subaru Impreza)
3:34:23
Peter Kalule/ John Bosco Musisi (Subaru XV)
3:36:47
Innocent Bwamika/ Hamza Lwanga (Mitsubishi Evo 9)
3:38:58
Nasser Mutebi/ Shakira Nabwami (Mitsubishi Evo 9)
3:43:22
Dauda Umar/ Steven Bunya (Mitsubishi Evo 6)
3:43:22:98
Nasser Ratib/ Gilbert Waluggyo (Toyota Corolla FX)
4:17:08
Edward Kirumira/ Gloria Nantongo (Toyota Corona)
4:18:16
NRC STANDINGS AFTER TWO ROUNDS
Yasin Nasser – 198 pts
Duncan Mubiru 173
Byron Rugomoka 160
Hassan Alwi 113

At the eighth time of participation, Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru finally
becomes Shell v-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) overall
winner. The Ford Fiesta Proto driver with Joseph Bongole finished the
two day event in as time of 2:30:54 over a minute ahead of Byron
Rugomoka / Hakim Mawanda (Mitsubishi EvoX) the reigning national
champion. Before his victory, his best finish in Pearl was third behind
Kenyan Jaspret Chatthe (Evo X) and Des Kananura (Subaru N14) in
2015.

The 2020/21 national rally champion said: “It’s a great pleasure and
excitement winning POAUR which comes with its challenge. This is just
the beginning of yet another exciting season. Good enough every one
tested the hardness of pearl and who ever finished is a victor.”
Kikankane, 49, is one of the driver with the largest rally fans followers
underlined his intention on day one moving into third position after
opening three sections ( 52.70km) behind Yasin Nasser/ Ali Katumba
(Ford Fiesta R5) and Jas Mangat/ Joseph Kamya (Evo X) respectively.
By end of Day, he was leading after the Nasser and Mangat
encountered mechanical problem. “Day two was all about
concentration to finish,” he elaborated.

Kikankane, first bust on the rally scene during the Pearl Rally in 2011
but failed to finish but following Pearl rally win and third place finish in
Mbarara Rally early this year, he moves into second place in NRC with
173pts 25 behind leader Nasser.

Rugomoka who made his Pearl Rally debut in 2017, has continued to
rise following his NRC triumph last season. Last year he finished 6 th and
his second place will boast his chances of retaining the NRC title. He is
third with 160 pts.

Nasser who finished third overall nine minutes behind Kikankane, is still
in running for both ARC and NRC title. He leads both championships
with 54 and 198 points respectively. Hassan Alwi winner of Pearl in
2016, came forth over 14 minutes behind the winner while Mangat last
year’s champions will have to wait for another year to record his thread
pearl win. The event which attracted 32 cars had a total of 494.21km of
which 205.27km spread over 12 competitive sections.

Posted by Patrick

Mangat going for his third Pearl triumph

Local winners of Pearl Rally since 2011
2011- Ponsiano Lwakataka/ Musa Nsubuga (Subaru N8)
2013-Jas Mangat / Gihan de Silva (Mitsubishi Evo X)
2016- Hassan Alwi/Enock Olinga (Subaru Impreza N14)
2022 -Mangat/ Joseph Kamya Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Since 2011 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) only three local drivers
have managed to win the most prestigious event on the motorsport
calendar.
Ponsiano Lwakataka (Subaru N8), Jas Mangat (Mitsubishi Evo X) who
has won it twice including last year and Hassan Alwi (Subaru Impreza
N14).
The odds are highly stuck on the local drivers to come out top as the
event rolls off today. The event will run in Buikwe and Jinja Districts.
Mangat eyes back to back win
All eyes will be on Mangat as he attempts to join legend Charlie Lubega
(2000, 2003, 2004) as the only local driver to win the prestigious event
three times. He will also attempt back to back wins joining Lubega,
Riyaz Kurji (2005, 2006) and Kenyan Manvir Baryan (2017-19) as the
only drivers to achieve the feat.
Jas made his Pearl Rally debut in 2005 in a Golf GTI finishing 5 th overall
since then he has failed to finish the event only five time out of twelve
he has participated. His worst finish was in 2009 driving a Subaru, he
was classified 8 th . He has consistently been in in top five.

Mangat with his trusted co-driver Joseph Kamya finished 4 th overall but
third in the Equator Rally Kenya, the second round of ARC held in Voi,
Kenya in March.
Ford Fiesta challenge
Yasin Nasser, 41 years, National rally champion in 2019, is going for
both ARC and NRC titles respectively. He started the season strongly
finishing second behind Kenya’s Karen Patel in Ford Fiesta during the
Equator Rally Kenya in March. He also triumphed in Mbarara Rally, the
opening round of NRC.
Nasser made his rallying debut in 2015, has participated in six times
Pearl Rally failing to finish twice (2015 & 2017). In 2016 season he
teamed with Ali Katumba as his co-driver. His best finish was second
overall in 2019 behind Manvir of Kenya.
Can he go a step higher this weekend? The Moil sponsored driver has
the machine to beat anyone and stake his claim on ARC title and
strengthen his grip on the NRC title race.
Shell V-Power sponsored Driver

Ronald Ssebuguzi (Subaru) like Mangat made his debut in 2005 during
the POAUR but did not finish. The Ford Fiesta Proto driver will need a
change of luck this weekend as out of 15 times he has participated in
the POAUR he has finished the event five times. His second place finish
behind Manvir of Kenya in 2018 event, is his best.
Will the Proto in Shell V-Power colours bring change in fortune, it’s a
waiting game. Ssebuguzi with Anthony Mugambwa finished second
being Nasser in the Mbarara Rally, the opening round of NRC. Time is
running out for the bulky driver, three time (2006, 2009, and 2014)
national rally champion to win his maiden Pearl.
Kikankane finally champion

 

Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru is one of the drivers with the largest fan
base. The 49 year-old driver, first bust on the rally scene during the
Pearl Rally in 2011 but failed to finish. He has participated in the POAUR
seven times, his best finish was 3 rd in 2015 behind Kenyan Jaspret
Chatthe (Evo X) and Des Kananura (Subaru N14).
He is the first driver on the local scene to be crowned national
champion stretched over two season (2020/21). It was a maiden
national title. Last year he upgraded from Subaru Impreza GBV to Ford
Fiesta Proto. Like Nasser and Ssebuguzi in similar cars, Kikankane also
started the season strongly finished third behind the two in Mbarara.
Kikankane will roll off the ramp in Jinja this weekend as one of the
favorites to win the Pearl despite his poor record in the event.
Alwi out to repeat 2016 feat

The 2016 POAUR will go down in the history as the rookie driver Hassan
Alwi, 26- years at that time against all odds beat top drivers to win the
event in Subaru N14. That same year he lost the NRC title by only four
points to Mangat in the final event on the calendar.
Alwi had bust on the rally scene a year earlier finishing 15 th in the Pearl
and this year came forth in the opening event on the year the Mbarara
Rally.
Despite having an inferior car, Alwi, 33, has what it takes to upset the
top drivers as in 2016.
The rest of the contenders
Byron Rugomoka, the reigning national champion driving Ssebuguzi
former Evo X leads the rest of the contenders. This will be his fourth
Pearl Rally and only in 2017 when he failed to finish. Last year he
finished in a respectable 6th position. In March this year he came 5 th in
Mbarara Rally.

Innocent Rwamike made his rally debut in Mosac Rally in 2017, and the
two times he has participated in the Pearl Rally he did finish. He has
registered for ARC.
Mike Mukula Junior, made his rally debut in 2021, and last year he
dropped out of Pearl Rally. Pearl will be his first outing this season and
last week he hit a jackpot when KCB Uganda took him on this season.

Posted by Patrick

Foreigners remain a threat in the Pearl Rally

Foreign crews who have won Pearl Rally
2002: Johnny Gemmel (South Africa) Subaru Impreza WRX

*2006: Riyaz Kurji Subaru Impreza N8
2007. Conrad Rautenbach (Zimbabwe) Subaru Impreza N10

2008: Jamie Whyte (Zimbabwe) Subaru Impreza N10
*2009: Kurji (Posthumous champion)
2010: Whyte (Zimbabwe) Subaru Impreza N10
2012: Mohammed Essa (Zambia) Subaru Impreza N12
2014: Rajbir Rai (Kenya) Mitsubishi Evo X
2015: Jaspreet Singh Chatthe (Kenya) Mitsubishi Evo X
2017: Manvir Baryan (Kenya) Skoda Fabia R5
2018: Manvir Skoda Fabia R5
2019: Manvir Skoda Fabia R5
*(driving under Kenya license)

Kurji is the only driver to win the Pearl Rally under two different licences. He won the 2005 edition under Uganda licence and the following year he switched to Kenya.

 

Kampala: Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) is one of the highlight on the Uganda Motorsport calendar. It runs both as a National Championship and a round of FIA Africa Rally Championship (ARC).
Since running as a candidate rally for the ARC in 1997, the event has attracted a number of foreign crews from Southern, East and Central Africa.
Eight foreign crews have triumphed in the 22 years of the event.
The 2002 edition of POAUR was graced by South Africa crew of Johnny Gemmel and Robert Paisley in a Subaru Impreza WRX fresh from winning the Rwanda Rally. The South Africa crew was also leading the ARC title race with 30 points ahead of Satwant Singh from Zambia the eight time Africa champion.
First foreign winner
Gemmel dominated the event winning in a time of 4:01:52, beating the Kenyan crew of Gen Edmund and Carter Williams (Evo VI) by over three minutes and Uganda crew of Emma Katto and Rwabogo Busingye (Toyota Celica GT-4) a further 12 minutes. The South African crew went on to win the ARC title that year.
Unique history and sad ending
Riyaz Kurji bust to the rally scene in 2003 finishing the Pearl in 5 th place in his Evo 7. The following year in the Safari Rally Kenya held in Mombasa along with his co-driver Sayed Kadri in Evo7 finished second behind Carl ‘flash’ Tundo in a Subaru. Kurji/Kadri were classified first in ARC.
Kurji is the only driver to win the Pearl Rally under two different licences. He won the 2005 driving under Uganda licence and the
following year he switched to Kenya and triumphed.

In 2009, Riyaz and Kadri were leading the event but hit a tree in Mityana area. Riyaz died on the spot and the event was stopped.
However he was granted posthumously win. It was a sad end to his short rallying career. Riyaz joined Charlie Lubega (at that time) as only drivers to win the event three times.

Zimbabwe domination
In 2003, a certain teenager Conrad Rautenbach/ Peter Marsh from Zimbabwe driving a Toyota Corolla Rsi, made maiden appearance in the POAUR finishing third behind Uganda legends Charlie Lubega/ Abed Musa (Evo 4) and Moses Lumala/ Cedric Buzabo (Toyota Celica) over 18 minutes behind the winner. He was 37 seconds ahead of Dipu
Ruparelia / Jerome Kasaija in Evo 4 who finished 4 th .
But the 18- year- old left the mark on the local rally scene and promised to be back. Four years later (2007) a more mature Rautenbach with Marsh were back once again to try to conquer the Pearl Rally in a Subaru Impreza N10.
The Zimbabwean won the event beating the Japanese crew of Miyoshi Hideakiâ/Ichino Hakaru in a Mitsubishi Evo9 by three minutes and 28 seconds. The same year he clichéd the African title.

In 2008, Jamie Whyte followed his fellow countryman in winning the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.
The highest Ugandan crew in the event was female driver Rose Lwakataka/ George Ssemakula in a Subaru Impreza finished seventh, 34 mins, 34 seconds behind Whyte.

Essa, Mangat tussle out

The 2012 Shell Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally was battle between the 23- year-old Zambian rally ace Mohammed Essa/ Greg Stead and Uganda’s Jas Mangat/Ravi Soni both in Subaru N12
Essa who led from start to finish singled out Mangat, whom he beat by three minutes, as the only driver who impressed him. At the end of day two, Mangat had closed within 41 seconds but the Zambian stepped up his pace on the third and final day to open up a two-minute gap.
The Zambian who went on to win the ARC title that year, became the 5 th foreigner to win POAUR.
Beginning of an era
The Kenyan took over the mantle winning the POAUR from 2014 -2019 being interrupted briefly by Uganda crew of Alwi Hassan/ Enock Olinga (Subaru N14) in the 2016 event.
Kenya crew of Rajbir Singh Rai/ Tim Challen driving a Mitsubishi EvoX made debut in a two day Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally around the town of Ssemuto, 50km north of Kampala.
The 24-year-old, son of legendary two-time Kenya champion Sarbi Rai made a winning debut ahead of three other foreign crew. He won the event by a mare 2 seconds from Gary Chaynes of Ivory Coast. Omar Mayanja/ Leon Ssenyange (Evo V) were the highest local crew in 5 th position.
The crew of Jaspreet Singh Chatthe/ Craig Thorley took over the baton from Rai winning the 2015 event in Mitsubishi Evo X
On three previous occasion, Chatthe had not finished the V- Pearl of Africa Rally. In 2014, Chatthe was leading early on day two before he dropped out.

He came into the event having won in South Africa, Zambia and Rwanda and was leading the ARC race with 75 points. He only failed to finish in Tanzania Rally. He also won the Safari Kenya Rally.
By winning the Pearl Rally, Chatthe was crowned the 2015 FIA African Rally Champion. His nearest challenger Jassy Singh of Zambia, rolled his Subaru Impreza on CS7.
Hat-trick of wins
The years 2017—19 was all about Manvir Baryan/ Drew Sturrock and Skoda Fabia 1600 R5 making its maiden appearance on Uganda soil. The Skoda crew won the 2017 event bettering their 4th place finish they achieved in 2014. This was his second time to participate in the Pearl rally.
Manvir won eight of the 10 sections and beating second placed Christakis Fitidis by a margin of nine minutes and 51 seconds.
The Kenyan driver defended his crown in 2018 relegating Ronald Ssebuguzi/ Leon Ssenyange (Evo X) and Mangat/ Joseph Kamya to second and third respectively.
The following year (2019) was an easy win for Kenyan Manvir in Kayunga. He beat his nearest opponent Yassin Nasser/ Ali Katumba (Subaru) by over 13 minutes.
The win also completed a hat-trick for the Kenyan, becoming the first driver to win the event in consecutive years. He also achieved the same feat in the ARC title.
The foreigners remain the drivers to beat as the Shell V-Power Pearl of
Africa Uganda Rally takes place 5-7 May, 2023.

Posted by Patrick

Mukula targets descent position in Pearl

Michael George Mukula Jr, the 2022 National Autocross and Sprint champion is targeting a decent position in the Shell V-
Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) 2023.
The event which is the third round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) also doubles as National Rally Championship (NRC) round. The event is set for 5th-7th May, 2023 in districts of Buikwe and Jinja.
Mukula who painfully lost the 2022 overall Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) in final round and stage of Mosac rally in
Rukungiri said: “Together with my team, we are set and focused for yet another exciting season.”
With undisclosed financial boost from KCB (Uganda) for 2023 season, Mukula returns with a big bang.
“KCB sponsorship has come in timely” said a smiling Mukula after signing a sponsorship contract with the bank.
Mukula Jr made his debut in rallying as a route opener during the Kasanda Rally in 2021 in Subaru Impreza N12B, and since
then he never looked back. A year later, he enrolled as a CRC driver.
Relating to the Pearl Rally, Mukula still has fresh and glorious memories of the Kivuvu stage, after posting second best
impressive time behind eventual winner Jas Mangat before his 75 percent CRC drive coverage.
On return in a Subaru N14, the rookie driver is targeting to finish the event. Mukula with be joined by seasoned co-driver
Hussein Mukuye. Mukuye replaces Edward Kiyingi who is unavailable.

Posted by Patrick

Ntambi positive about his 2WD title defence

Oscar Ntamba 2WD drive defending National Rally Champion (NRC) is optimistic about defending his title, after securing
financial by KCB Uganda.
Ntambi assured his new sponsors success in the upcoming Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally 5th-7th May, 2023.
Diana Komukama Ssempebwa bank’s head of marketing and Communications signed the contract with Ntambi on behalf of
the institution at headquarters in Kampala.
Ntambi, driving a Toyota Alteza joined rallying in 2019, during a sprint at Garuga double race track.
However, with covid-19 pandemic affecting sports globally, held him back until 2021 when he competed in the Clubman
Rally Championship (CRC) with two class victories registered.
The 2022 season was all celebration for Forest Rally Team crew, as they went out full throttle with several victories in their 2WD
classification, icing their efforts with a title at end.
“We are champions and Pearl Africa Rally 2WD class winners. We settling for no less a win again, “a confident Ntambi stated.
Ntambi added, since the weather conditions seem same as last year, they are fully set and prepared after being fired up
financially KCB bank Uganda.

“We have had upgrades on car( Toyota Alteza), just fitted new reigner dampers which gives us confidence for good results”
Ntambi outlined.

The Forest rally team is second crew sponsored by KCB bank in this year of Pearl of Africa rally ,away from Michael George
Mukula Junior, unlike last year when it sponsored one foreign crew of Karan Patel and Tauseef Khan in Ford Fiesta R5.

Posted by Patrick

East African Chains host POUAR Secretariat

The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) is grateful for the East African Chains Ltd (EACL) for housing the
Shell V- Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2013 secretariat and stores.
This was revealed by Albert Ofong the Deputy Events Manager at a function held at the company’s offices 2 nd street Industrial
Area.
“The Partnership is growing each year and appealed to motorsport fraternity to get all the industrial machinery from
East African Chains Ltd,” the deputy events manager said. “We are looking forward to partnership in 2024.”
While welcoming the FMU team to their premises, Leah Kirabo, the project engineer said: “Over the year there has been a good
working relationship with FMU and hopes it continues.”
For his part, Andrew Akome, the Sales engineer said they are the leading suppliers of convey belts, lifting chains and heavy
duty machinery.
Vivo Energy are the title sponsors while KCB, Scoul, Source of the Nile Hotel (Jinja), Fire and Safety Appliance Ltd, Ruparelia
Group, Mubs (Jinja), Jinja Municipality, Uganda Railways and Uganda Police are co-sponsors.

Posted by Patrick

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