Omar Mayanja wins rally season opener

MBARARA.

Until the last 26.33km of the Lato Milk Mbarara Rally, the battle was between reigning national champion Jas Mangat /Joseph Kamya in a Mitsubishi Evo X and Duncan ‘Kikankane ‘ Mubiru /George Ssemakula in a similar car.

Out went Mangat, who was leading both on points and the road. He was followed by Hassan Alwi /Enock Olinga (Subaru N14) as well as Arthur/ Noella Blick (Subaru N10).

The mechanical mishaps helped the crew of Omar Mayanja/Hussien Mukuye in Evo X to win the season opener yesterday.

It was his third NRC win since making his rally debut in 2003.

A delighted Mayanja, one of the most senior and experienced drivers but an under achiever in recent years said it is a perfect start to the season despite poor preparations.

“I lost a relative this week, and we did recce of the route in dry conditions, we had to adjust following the rains over the weekend,” he said.

Ronald Ssebuguzi/Leon Ssenyange came in second two minutes after Mayanja.

“After starting the day seven minutes behind the leading pack, second place was a bonus to build on as I chase my fourth NRC title,” he said.

Mubiru, who was battling for top spot eventually finished third while Ambrose Byona was fifth after breaking his rear arm in the very first section (40.31km). “This was my first finish out of two in this event and I will gladly take it,” he said.

Only 22 cars, out of 35 completed the 185.75km event which started on Saturday.

The next event on the rally calender is the Kabale Rally set for March 3-5.

Provisional results
Omar Mayanja/Hussien Mukuye.
(EvoX) 01:51:26
Ronald SSebuguzi/Leon Ssenyange
( EVo X) 01:53:29
Duncan Mubiru/George SSemakula.
(EVo X). 01:56:10
Christakis Fitidis/ Jean Gisen.
(EVoX). 01:59:08
Ambrose Byona/Derrick LUbambula
(Evo IX) 02:01:05
Musa Kabega/Rogers Serwomu
(EvoIX) 02:07:17
Godfrey Lubega/Justin MUngoma
(Subaru N12) 02:07:55
Ranjit Kuku/Musa Nsubuga
(Evo X) 02:13:32