It was a worthy contention as the sixth round of the 2017 National Rally Championship took course over the weekend in Hoima district.
Crews went neck and neck till the last stage before the eventual winners could be announced.
Hassan Alwi and co-driver Joseph Kamya triumphed in Hoima to hit their second victory of the season.
Alwi took advantage of Duncan Mubiru’s misfortunes with whom they had a close battle to claim the win in the last stage of the event. He posted the fastest time of 1 hour, 51 minutes, 12 seconds.
Duncan Mubiru dropped to second following mechanical issues in the final stage of the event. He was one minute behind winner Hassan Alwi.
Christakis Fitidis and Eric Nzamwita sealed the podium position in third, and with it the crew moved a step closer to this year’s NRC title.
Fitidis collected maximum 60points to strengthen his NRC lead with 375points. He widens the gap to 70points ahead of second placed Duncan Mubiru.
“The event was a bit challenging with a lot of safety loopholes, being car number one on road we were forced to slow a bit down in some stages.
“But luckily we managed to keep truck of our strategy to finish in the top positions. We remain top on the table and now we look forward to the final event,” says Fitidis.
Ronald Sebuguzi settled for fourth followed by Fred Kitaka who closed up the top five positions.
Ambrose Byona came in sixth while Ahmed Ashiraf and Alex Wakabi were seventh and eighth respectively.
Meanwhile, the event registered only twelve finishers out of the 34 crews that started.
Omar Mayanja, Andy Musoke, Musa Kabega among others could not close the final finish over mechanical issues.
The next round of the NRC and the season finale is scheduled for November 18-20th.
Kabalega Rally Finalists
1. Hassan Alwi/Joseph Kamya 1:51:12
2. Duncan Mubiru/George Semakula 1:52:12
3. Christakis Fitidis/Eric Nzamwita 1:57:43
4. Ronald Sebuguzi/Leon Ssenyange 2:07:34
5. Fred Kitaka/Mildred Kibuuka 2:10:48
6. Ambrose Byona/Derrick Lubambula 2:15:34
7. Dr Ashiraf Ahmed/Rahma Mohammed 2:16:15
8. Alex Wakabi/Mohammed Ssebina 2:31:34
9. Edson Mungyereza/Siraj Kyambadde 2:33:48
10. Fred Senkumba/Hamza Lwanga 2:35:11
11. Charles Ssansa/Raymond Munyigwa 2:43:21
12. Isaac Ssozi/Lawrence Mwambazi 2:58:38