Team Uganda Shines in Rwanda at the 2024 Mountain Gorilla Rally

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By Mwambazi Lawrence

Team Uganda made a significant mark at the recently concluded Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024, which served as the fourth round of the African Rally Championship (ARC). The rally, set against the scenic and rugged Rwandan terrain, was fiercely contested by top drivers from the African continent. The event, however, was dominated by Kenya’s Karan Patel and his co-driver, Tauseef Khan, who showcased their superiority from start to finish in a Skoda Fabia R5. Patel, already crowned the African Rally Champion, delivered a flawless performance, winning every stage of the event and posting a total time of 1:37:47.

What truly made this rally special was the significant presence of Ugandan drivers, many of whom are members of the Eastern Motor Club (EMC). Uganda’s vibrant motorsport community sent a strong contingent to Rwanda, determined to leave their mark on the ARC leaderboard. Leading the charge for Team Uganda were Michael Mukula Jr. and his co-driver Edward Kiyingi, who finished an impressive second overall in their Subaru Impreza N14. The duo posted a time just 12 minutes and 33 seconds adrift of the rally winner, Patel. Their stellar performance not only propelled them to second place on the ARC leaderboard but also earned them the top spot in the ARC2 category. Mukula Jr. is now in a strong position to challenge for the ARC2 championship, but he will need to compete in the next round in Kenya to clinch the title.

Kenya’s Nikhil Sachania and his co-driver Deep Patel rounded off the ARC podium in third place, driving a Ford Fiesta R3. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Yassin Nasser, one of the nation’s most celebrated drivers, fought hard to secure fourth place in the ARC category.

In the National Rally Championship (NRC) category, Ugandan crew Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya clinched victory, driving a Mitsubishi Evo 9. They posted a total time of 1:55:12, leaving a trail of dust for their competitors to follow. They were followed closely by the Rwandan duo of Christian Kanangire and Tuyishime, who finished second in a Subaru Impreza N12. Jean Claude Gakwaya and Mugabo Jean Claude, local rally stars, finished third in a Subaru N10, wrapping up the national podium. However, local favorite Giancarlo Davite, who many expected to dominate on home soil, could only manage fourth position.

Burundi’s Imitaz Awandin, co-driven by Rukundo Alain both driving on a Ugandan license, came in fifth, while female Rwandan driver Queen Kalimpinya, co-driven by Olivier Ngabo, secured a respectable sixth overall in their Subaru Impreza GC8. Kalimpinya’s performance was particularly inspiring, as she continues to rise through the ranks in a male-dominated sport.

The rally, however, wasn’t without its fair share of heartbreak for some competitors. Notable Ugandan drivers who failed to complete the event included Jonas Kansime, who was co-driven by Aaron Nsamba. Their Mitsubishi Evo 8 suffered differential issues that forced them out of the rally early. Musa Segaabwe’s challenge was cut short after his car broke a shaft during the opening super special stage. Isaac Sozzi was another casualty, as his car suffered an engine failure just two stages before the end of the rally. Sadat Negomba, alongside co-driver Emaru James, also saw their race come to an unfortunate end due to engine failure.

Adding to Uganda’s contribution to the event, Jackson Sserwanga, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) Assistant General Secretary, served as the Assistant Clerk of Course (COC). His role was crucial in ensuring the event’s smooth organization and execution, highlighting Uganda’s growing influence not only on the track but in motorsport management across the region.

The Ugandan team was led by Eastern Motor Club (EMC) President, Mr. Kagolo Kees who was appointed as chef de mission by FMU, who was full of praise for his drivers. Speaking after the event, Mr. Kees lauded the dedication and skill of the Ugandan crews, noting that their presence and strong performances in Rwanda highlighted the growing dominance of Ugandan motorsport on the African stage. “Our drivers have shown great determination and talent, and we are proud of the performances they’ve delivered,” he said. He further expressed optimism for future rounds of the ARC, as Ugandan drivers continue to battle for continental glory.

As the African Rally Championship heats up, all eyes will now be on the next round in Kenya. With Mukula Jr. vying for the ARC2 championship and other Ugandan drivers looking to build on their impressive performances, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown in East Africa’s motorsport scene.

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