Ugandan rallying enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, Kenya, which kicks off next week. Four of Uganda’s top drivers are geared up to challenge the international racing champions, aiming to make a significant impact on both the World Rally Championship and the African Rally Championship (ARC) circuits.
Leading the charge are seasoned campaigners Duncan Mubiru, known as ‘Kikankane,’ driving his Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Oscar Ntambi in a Mitsubishi Evo 10, and Timothy Gawaya in a Seat Ibiza. All three have expressed confidence to their Ugandan fans, promising strong performances and a memorable showing in Kenya.
A notable contender is Yasin Nasser, the reigning African Rally Champion (ARC) title holder, who will be behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R5 MK2. Although not present at the official send-off, Nasser is determined to secure a top finish, which would significantly bolster his chances in the current ARC season.
Mubiru, Gawaya, and Ntambi will be competing in the ARC2 category, the second tier of the African Championship, while Nasser stands as Uganda’s sole representative in the prestigious African Professional Championship (ARC).
The Ugandan contingent received an official send-off ceremony, hosted by the new National Council of Sports (NCS) Deputy Secretary General, Milton Chebet, at the Copper Chimney in Lugogo. Each driver received a cheque of 10 million Uganda shillings.
The grueling WRC Safari Rally is scheduled to run from Thursday, March 12th, to Sunday, March 15th. Competitors will tackle a demanding route spanning 1,192.92 kilometers, with 350.02 kilometers of competitive stages and 842.9 kilometers of liaison sections.
