By Mwambazi Lawrence
From the look of things, it seems the reign of African Rally Champion Karan Patel may finally be facing serious opposition. Kenyan rising star Samman Vohra, co-driven by Drew Sturrock, was untouchable on the opening day of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, winning four out of five stages and storming into the overnight lead.
Vohra’s blistering pace saw him clock a total time of 34:43.42, nearly a full minute ahead of compatriot and reigning African champion Karan Patel, who only managed to win one stage with his co-driver Tauseef Khan, finishing the day in second with a time of 35:47.62.
Uganda’s hopes remain alive with crowd favorite Yasin Nasser, navigated by Ali Katumba in a Ford Fiesta R5, ending the day in a solid third. The pair posted a time of 37:29.49, keeping within striking distance as the rally heads into its crucial second leg.
Fan-favorite Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru, co-driven by Joseph Kamya, also impressed in their Ford Fiesta Proto, sealing fourth place with a time of 38:27.48, and showing potential for more aggressive attacks tomorrow.
In fifth overall sits the duo of Michael Mukula Jr and Siraj Kyambade, who managed to keep it steady to end with a time of 39:47.87, a commendable result for the young crew navigating tough terrain.
However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for everyone. Uganda National Rally Championship leader Ponsiano Lwakataka, partnered with Paul Musazi, was forced into an early retirement after engine trouble struck in Stage 2, dealing a blow to his title hopes.
In more dramatic fashion, rally queen Susan “Super Lady” Muwonge had an unfortunate encounter with an impala during Stage 3, causing serious damage to the front of her Subaru Impreza N12. But in true fighting spirit, she managed to fix the car and rejoined the event for the superspecial stage, earning applause from fans.
In the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) category, Mansoor Lubega and Ronald Bukenya, in their Caltex-sponsored Toyota Corolla, are sitting pretty at the top after a dominant day. The pair posted a commanding time of 45:46.37, well ahead of Stabex-sponsored Edward Kirumira, who trails in second at 47:59.69.
Third place is currently held by the consistent Amir Kavuma and Keneth Kavuma, whose Subaru WRX 2WD ended the day with 48:44.07.
The battle in the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) category has been nothing short of electric. Three stages in, and each has produced a different winner. Currently, young ace Kevein Bebeto, co-driven by Mwambazi Lawrence, leads the charge in their Subaru Impreza N10, holding a narrow 22-second lead.
Chasing hard are Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba in a Subaru GC8, while Kiggundu Sentongo and Yusuf Babu are third with a time of 13:16.6, keeping the top trio locked in a fierce contest.
Tomorrow promises even greater drama, with eight competitive stages on the cards. The highlight is the grueling 23.28km Kaguta Stage, the longest of the rally. With most of the stages running through wildlife conservation areas, competitors have been cautioned to expect unexpected wildlife crossings with the possibility of meeting a zebra or impala defending its turf being very real.
As the rally heads into its most challenging day, one question lingers: Can Samman Vohra hold off the chasing pack and rewrite the script of African rally dominance? Day two will have the answers.
