Mike Mukula Jr targets Pearl of Africa Rally after UMOSPOC Autocross win
The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally takes place next weekend, running from Wednesday to Sunday in Mbarara District.
Mike Mukula jr Powers his Subaru Impreza in the rains. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Top 5 finishers
1.Mike Mukula Jr /Edward Kiyingi (9:12.03)
2. Mathias Kiyega/pius Lugya (10:11.02)
3.Dr. Gofrey Nsereko/JB Musisi (11:18.08)
4.Humphey Kawuki /Shafik Matovu (11:23.06)
5.Suzan Muwonge/ Musa Nsubuga (11:4907)
After winning the UMOSPOC autocross rally at Makungu Beach in Bunjako, Mpigi District, Mike Mukula Jr has set his sights on the Pearl of Africa Rally.
The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally takes place next weekend, running from Wednesday to Sunday in Mbarara District.
The KCB-funded driver, navigated by Edward Kiingi in a Subaru Impreza N14, beat strong opposition from two-time National Rally Champion Suzan Muwonge, Mathias Kiyega in a Mitsubishi Evo 9, and Dr. Godfrey Nsereko, navigated by John Bosco Musisi in a Toyota Etios.
Mukula noted that the challenging terrain, featuring slippery, bumpy, and wet sand sections was excellent preparation for testing his skills and the car ahead of the Pearl of Africa Rally.
“Our focus is to lift our Ugandan flag and our sponsors KCB’s flag high by finishing on the podium at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. The car is good, and we are excited to win this autocross rally,” Mukula said.
The 2024 Africa Rally Championship (ARC2) winner added that they would be very cautious to ensure they finish the rally. He explained how he dropped out of the KCB Mbale Rally while in podium contention, simply miscalculating a corner.
“Yes, the Pearl Rally will be tough in terms of competition if you look at the entry list, but we are prepared for the challenge and ready to measure ourselves against the experienced crews,” Mukula added.
To win the UMOSPOC autocross, Mukula posted a total time loss of 9 minutes and 12.03 seconds, finishing 58.9 seconds ahead of Kiyega, navigated by Pius Lugya, who posted 10 minutes and 11.02 seconds.
Dr. Nsereko finished third with a time of 11 minutes and 18.08 seconds on the six-kilometer route, which included rocky, wet sand, slippery, and bumpy sections.
The event, supported by Worldwide Movers, Sandline Eco-Resort, Divine Events, and the Federation of Motorsport Uganda (FMU), attracted 12 crews, including Humphry Kawuki, Sharif Muyanja, Steven Mande, Johnson Sebugwawo, Hussein Ssenyonjo, John Ssemudu, Denis Bahizi, and Ronald Sserunjogi.
Clerk of the Course Hamuza Lwanga praised the drivers who participated, as well as the local council authorities and FMU officials, especially DVP Joshua Mayanja, who guided him every time he sought advice.