Local body FMU toughens stance on safety of drivers

Drivers falling short of standard safety gear to be barred from competing in all calendar events.

Events will be stopped if they don’t meet safety standards this season, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has warned. Equally, drivers without standard safety gear will also be barred from competing.

This was revealed by George Kagimu, the president of FMU, at the launch of the CBS Premier Sprint held at Lubiri yesterday.

“Any lack of safety,” said Kagimu, “The event will be stopped and reported to the FIA, the international body in charge of motorsport. There will be no compromise this time.”

He added: “Drivers will not take part in events unless they meet safety standards. These measures take effect this Sunday during the sprint.”

A complete safety attire for one driver, which includes a balaclava, helmet, fire proof underpants, vest and shoes, gloves plus an overall, costs about Shs6m ($2,300). Drivers must acquire gear approved by FIA.

Earlier, the clerk of the course, Alfred Mutanda, said that the season opener will count towards 4wd, 2wd and Sprint Championships for the 2013 season.

Mutanda also explained that they have made the double circuit slightly shorter to bring more excitement.

“Each lane will have a total of 1.8km,” said Mutanda. “However, we have maintained both rounds on the two lanes.”

Shafiq Ssemujju (Subaru N11), Fred Wampamba (Subaru N10), Dr Ashraf Ahmed (Subaru N8), Leila Mayanja (Evo4), Edson Mungyereza (Subaru) and John Consta (Subaru N10) are some of the 20 drivers who have so far registered for the season opener.

Meanwhile, Mayanja is confident she will emulate fellow female rally driver Susan ‘Super Lady’ Muwonge by winning the National Rally Championship. In 2011, Muwonge beat Ponsiano Lwakataka in the 300km Independence rally at the Festino City Race Circuit, to become the first lady to hold the NRC crown in Uganda.

She was speaking at the launch of her partnership with Jinja-based cooking oil processors Bidco in Ntinda yesterday. Bidco will support her under their ‘white star soap’ brand. “My aim is to try and challenge Susan Muwonge this year,” said Mayanja, who signed a one-year contract with Bidco. “The car is ready for the event and will start with the Lubiri competition this weekend though we are planning to ship in a new car before the year ends.”

Drivers' safety gear
Balaclava: $60-75 (Shs170,000)
Helmet: $1000 (Shs2.6m)
Fire proof underpants: $100 (Shs260,000)
Fire proof vest: $100 (Shs260,000)
Fire proof shoes: $200 (Shs520,000)
Gloves: $100 (Shs260,000)
Driving overall: $700 (Shs1.8m)

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