The highly anticipated 2017 National rally season kicked off with 38 crews lined up to start at Kakyeka stadium, Mbarara.
The season was ushered in to a heavy down pour that immediately had crews adjust their earlier strategies for a wet and muddy circuit.
Kuku Ranjeet and Musa Nsubuga proved they were a match for the top drivers with a sublime drive through the 1.5km stage.
In his Mitsubishi EvoX, Kuku fared through the wet Kakyeka stadium to post the fastest time of four minutes and twenty six seconds.
He now holds a six seconds lead over Duncan Mubiru while the defending national champion Jas Mangat seats in third.
Ambrose ‘Omunyeto’ Byona proved the thrill of the day with a clean but exciting drive that got the fans cheering at every turn.
Byona settled for fourth 14 seconds behind the leader.
Ahmed Ashiraf settled in fifth followed by Hassan Alwi.
The event resumes on Monday with six stages covering a total competitive distance of 153.09km.