Rwanda champion Gakwaya to grace Gorillas in the Mist Rally

Rallying call. Professor Kagonyera speaks at the launch. Next to him are FMU boss Dusman Okee, Kagolo and FMU official Shemmy Ssemakula PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE

KAMPALA.

The second edition of the Gorillas in the Mist Rally 2017 in Kabale has attracted drivers from Rwanda and Burundi.
Kees Kagolo, the president of the Eastern Motor Club (EMC) who are organisers of the event, confirmed that the crew of Jean Claude Gakwaya and Jean Mugabo will participate.

Gakwaya and Mugabo are Rwanda champions of the past two years in their Subaru N12. The two-wheel drive crews of Eric Gakwaya and Fabrice Semana (Toyota Celica GT4) and Fabrice Yoto and Regis Remere (Toyota Celica) will likewise compete in the race.

“We expect Burundi drivers to confirm by Wednesday,” Kagolo added.
Clerk of the course, Katende Mukiibi, says the event is the second round on NRC calendar as well as the first round for both the Rwanda National Championship (RNC) and East Africa Challenge.

He re-affirmed to Daily Monitor that the race will have 12 competitive sections, which will cover 208km.

Meanwhile driver Ambose Byona, the proprietor of Byona Executive Travel, has come good on his promise from last year to financially support the event for the next three years.

“I can announce that Byona Executive Travel is putting in Ugsh35.5m ($10,000),” he announced. “Kabonge Coffee Company, which hosted a pre-season rally last month, have also come aboard as co-sponsors,” the Omunyeto driver said during the launch held at Panamera Bar and Restaurant on Friday. The function was graced by Prof. Mondo Kagonyera.