It is a sunny Sunday morning and the birds are flying over a vast park with a chorus award winning hit being sung in unison.
The beautiful melodies emitted are seriously competing for airwaves with the roaring sound of the rally machines – one of which I am set to operate as a navigator.
In my minds’ eye, a bit worried but excited as well of my next task at hand – navigating a rally car during a specially designed media practice circuit at Festino City, Mukono arranged by the Federation of Motor Sports Associations of Uganda (FMU) organized for sports reporters.
My line of duty is to guide the rally driver (Eddie Mukiibi) through the route as I read the map, pace notes and rally bible to him as well as identify any obstacles if any.
We are to take the navigation roles in turns as one of the prerequisite of the media workshop.
Soon before my time finally comes knocking, a workmate, Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga misreads the map for his driver and the end product is a nasty accident as the car overturns after failing to negotiate a corner.
I nearly reverse my decision to navigate upon witnessing the incident but the guerrilla heart I have always harbored since childhood keeps me going and F.M.U’s head of technical, Moses Sseguya reassures me.
Be firm, in rallying, you race against time. Keep eye of the car, route, time card and the rally bible,
Sweating profusely, I enter the car equipped with pace notes and a helmet, fasten the safety belts and after a detailed prayer to the Almighty, I am good to go.
Saying my quick but detailed prayer
I nearly miss my breathe upon set off, but steadily gain confidence at the first stretch through the turns and finally at the flying finish with an incredible timing of 2:08:01 minutes .
Overall, the experience as a navigator taught me two aspects in life – patience and determination.
