Nasser Mutebi Lands First Season Win After A Drama-Filled SMC Masaka Rally

The second round of the National Rally Championship (NRC), the SMC Masaka rally, ended on Sunday, 14 April after a problematic last day that was marred by a lot drama, complications and difficulties: many crews suffering penalties plus an out pour of rain, the last stages were cancelled after competitors were stuck in SS06 as some were blocked. The itinerary was not completed therefore the power stage was not run and there wasn’t a prize giving ceremony as well. Nasser Mutebi and co-driver Steven Bunya came out on top in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 with a total time of 01:39:06.9 covering a total competitive distance of 119.35km. This is Nasser Mutebi’s first season win. Mutebi was one of the best drivers throughout the event and had fans cheering him on through the stages; the crew suffered a penalty of 01:10 but still remained on track to score a podium win. Mutebi also led the Premier division.

Jonas Kansiime and co-driver Ronald Bukenya finished third in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8. Photo Credit: Hussein Mulindwa.

Finishing in second place was Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and co-driver Lawrence Mwambazi, the crew sponsored by Equity bank had a total time of 01:42:56.6 in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9; they also had a penalty of 02:20 but the crew kept their pace throughout which helped them secure their first podium finish this season. Dr. Mukasa was first in the Division Two category. This is a great achievement for the crew.

Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and co-driver Lawrence Mwambazi in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 in stage. They finished in second place; Photo Credit: Hussein Mulindwa.

Jonas Kansiime and co-driver Ronald Bukenya closed the podium in third in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 with a total time of 01:46:43.4. The crew were among the few that did not get any penalty and their performance was consistent and calculated but unfortunately one of their tires burst in one of the stages which made them lose time as they changed it; the crew still had a good performance overall as they led the Division One category. Kansiime/Bukenya had a great season last year, hopefully this season will be a good one for them.

The 2WD category was won by Dr. Nsereko Godfrey and co-driver JB Musisi who finished sixth overall in the event. Edward Kirumira came in second, Julius Semambo in third, and Hajj Amiri Kavuma in fourth.

The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) category was led by Haruna Kataza and co-driver Urban Mulindwa in their Subaru Impreza; Hajj Ahmed Ssenyonjo co-driven by Muyanja Sharif came in second in their Toyota Corolla, and Musa Ssegaabwe co-driven by Mathias Kiyegga finished third in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.

There were eight crews that did not finish the event, among them was day one leader Jas Mangat and co-driver Enock Olinga, who were excluded after reports of receiving outside assistance emerged according to event officials and organisers.