Five Ugandan rally crews are set to take part in the Kenya Safari as it marks the return of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time since 2002.
The event which will run from June 25 to 27 in Naivasha was regarded as one the toughest, most prestigious and celebrated events before it was scrapped off the WRC series 19 years ago due to financial and organizational difficulties.
On its return, the five crews including; Kepher Walubi/Siraje Kyambadde, Hassan Alwi/James Mwangi, National Rally Championship leader Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru who will drive alongside Omar Mayanja and Yasin Nasser/Ali Katumba.
They will take part with many of them having previously competed at the event before when it was still only an African Rally Championship (ARC) event.
The Ugandan contingent like for most of the African crews will not compete for WRC points but will have their fair share of thrills in a special African category with a lot of pride at stake.
“This is a chance for us to show our potential amongst the very best in the world,” said Ronald Ssebuguzi at his send off.
Emma Kato is Uganda's best performer when it was still a WRC event finishing a respectable seventh at the 1997 edition.
Among the elite crews expected include current WRC title race leader Sebastien Ogier of France as well as Briton Elfyn Evans (both Toyota Gazoo Team) and Belgian Thierry Neuville (Hyundai Shell World Racing team) are also in the rally that is expected to have 58 crews.
“I think everyone is excited to have Safari Rally Kenya on the calendar," Neuville who is third I'm WRC standings told the WRC website before adding.
"I have heard stories from drivers who have had the chance to go there in the past, who have described the adventure they lived at the time. It will be a different experience for us, as the rallying has evolved over time."
"I don’t know what is waiting for us, but I hope to come back with a big trophy. We’ll be seeing zebras, elephants and giraffes - it is going to be fun,” he added.
Competitors are expected to be flagged away from the ceremonial start at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Crews will tackle the Kasarani Super Special Stage on Thursday for two laps of side-by-side action on the custom-built track before negotiating over 300km of gruelling stages over the following three days.
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