Sebuguzi wins Day one of Masaka SMC rally

Ronald Sebuguzi started on a high note winning day one of the SMC Bwera rally in Masaka.

The UMOSPOC driver navigated by Anthony Mugambwa in Ford Fiesta posted a total time loss of 29 minutes and 95 microseconds to beat stiff opposition from Duncan Kinkankane Mubiru, who came second by two seconds (29:02:55) in a tightly contested battle of Ford Fiestas.

Mark Lubega powers his Subaru Impreza at the super Special stage of the SMC Bwera rally in Masaka

Mubiru started with a narrow victory of 34 seconds against Sebuguzi, after posting 9.10minutes ahead of Mubiru's 9.45minutes and 90 microseconds.

However, Sebuguzi put up a spirited fight in the second stage of 18kms beating Mubiru by a second before heading to the spectators’ stage where he won by a 37-second lead.

When contacted, Sebuguzi said whereas it is good for him to win day one, it is not yet over because day two is the most challenging one.

Fans waiting for the cars

“Our target is to finish the rally this time. But if a win comes, it will a bonus for us,” said the BAR Aviation Ambassador fueled by Shell V-Power.

Jas Mangat, who won the first stage by 8. 51 seconds,10 microseconds dropped out in the second stage after developing engine failure.

Byron Rugomoka in a Mitsubishi Evo10, Ponsiano Lwakataka came third and fourth, while Kephar Walubi and Mark Lubega came fifth and sixth respectively.

Jonas Kansiime powers his Evo 9 at the super Special stage of the SMC Bwera rally in Masaka

Ibra Lubega in an inferior 2WD car was the best performer challenging the 4WD cars and finished thirteen overall.

The Kyaggwe boy with 23 points targets to defend the 2WD title that he is trailing Oscar Ntambi on the log by 18 points.

Joshua Muwanguzi in action

The crews on Sunday, August 7, head to Sembabule where they showcase in five stages.

Eighteen crews have completed day one out of the 31 that started the rally.

The casualties of the day were Dr. Godfrey Nsereko and Jas Mangat. 

Ibrahim Lubega in his FX at the second stage of the SMC Bwera rally

Provisional results Day 1

1.Ronald Sebuguzi / Anthony Mugambwa 29:00:95

2.Mubiru Duncan / Musa Nsubuga 29:02:55

3.Byron Rugomoka / Mawanda hakim 30:19:17

4.Ponsiano Lwakataka / Paul Musaazi 30:33:88

5.Kepher Walubi / Ssemakula George 30:49:96

6.Mark Lubega / Daniel Mbabazi 31:04:46

7.Umar Dauda / Hamza Lwanga 31:27:52

8.Peter Kalule / Mariam Nambasa 32:01:68

9.Fred Wampamba / Samuel Mugisha 32:11:30

10.Kaguta Aine sodo / Derrick Lubambula 32:19:10

11.Samuel Bwete / Urban Mulindwa 32:31:81

12.Kansiime Jonas Matayo / Ivan Tushabe 33:50:54

13.Ibrahim Lubega / Nabwami Shakira 34:10:06