Drivers to pay homage to racing legend Muhangi in Mbarara Rally

KAMPALA. Next month’s famous season opening motor rally in Mbarara is being commemorated in a big way to honour the late Charles Muhangi.
Muhangi, the first and only Ugandan driver to become the African champion, was found dead at his home in Buziga, Kampala last December.
Aged 62, Muhangi, who was the proprietor of Horizon Coaches, a transport company plying the Kampala-Mbarara route, was famous for his Subaru Impreza N4 car, known by many adoring fans as ‘Ekitagururo’.
His maiden triumph was the national rally championship title in 1998 when he beat the already established Emma Katto.
It was a time when top racers like Moses Lumala, Karim Hirji and Katto, among others. He opted to retire in 2003 although he made cameo appearances at fundraising events in 2012 and 2014.
But at the time of his death, his name was in the news following a land wrangle with other city businessmen Drake Lubega and Hajji Mansoor Matovu aka Yanga, over ownership of properties in Kampala.
Deserving
Muhangi, who was born in Bumbire village, Bushenyi district, was the most prominent rally driver and he is remembered as being iconic.
In fact, the rally to be held in his honour holds so much significance, for it is uncommon for one a man to represent his people and country with such valour.
The rally will be held during the weekend of February 8 to 10th in the districts of Bushenyi and Mbarara.
The event will start on Saturday 9th with two sections in Bushenyi District, the home of the late Muhangi.
The sections are Ishaka-Bumbaire (10kms) and Lwentuha–Bumbaire (13kms) before a 1.6km super special stage at Bushenyi grounds.
Event manager Sayeed Kakeeto announced that it was only fitting to honour the hero and an icon of Uganda motosport.
Muhangi was the founder of Mbarara Motor Club of which he was the patron at his death.
Kakeeto says that drivers will have a moment to lay a wreath on Muhangi’s grave before day two action.