RUKUNGIRI- Over 40 rally drivers are set to participate in the Kigezi Boona motor rally slated to take place on 9th and 10th December 2022 organized by Motorsport Africa Rally Club- Mosac in partnership with Boona Fm under the theme “Come, tour, invest in Rukungiri”.
In a colorful function held at St. Gerard’s playground in southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, Shaffic Matovu the Mosac clerk of course charged the community in which the game is going to be held to observe proper guidelines to avoid accidents.
Matovu highlighted a number of activities that they will engage in as corporate social responsibility including touring the rally roads from 4th -8th December 2022, checking of all participants’ vehicles on 9th December.
The Mosac team together with partners will engage in painting Zebra crossings, community engagement on safety measures as well as donating reflector jackets to the boda boda riders.
It’s from here that he asked boda boda cyclists to respect the traffic guidelines that will be issued onto them during the rally days in ensuring that no life is lost during the sport.
According to him, 10th December 2022 will commence with Ceremonial start at Heritage Country club in Southern division before official rally kicks off with a 25 KM Pole Pole section in Rwashamaire Town Council Ntungamo district at 8am.
Drivers will later on trek the 16 Km San Diego tours as well as Platinum-Kikoni- Buyanja 27Km drive and later in the day hold a Circuit drive in Rukungiri Main stadium. On 11th December 2022, drivers will get their wheels ready for the 23Km Nsheka section as well as a repeat of San Diego and Kikoni sections.
Beyendera Jimmy Frank the Mozak President charged residents to embrace some opportunities surrounding them such as National parks and position themselves to benefit from the crowds that will flock the District during this motor rally season.
Beyendera noted that this is the time of giving back to the community but asked residents to take responsibility for their lives so that when the days are successful, they will hold the event annually in Rukungiri district.
“Our appeal now to the District leadership is to help us do some road maintenance so that the accidents are minimized in this event” Beyendera noted.
Wenceslas Maanige, the 91.8 Boona FM station (Main sponsors) director noted that the event is a big opportunity to the Rukungiri Business community since the event is set to attract over 50,000 revelers who all need different services.
Maanige told a mammoth crowd at the launch that Boona FM is committed to support all forms of events that intend to benefit the community and this time ventured into motorsport to break the monotony of football as the only sporting activity. He handed over a Ugx 85M cheque as their contribution to this cause.
While officiating at the launch, Stephen Bewayo Nsubuga the Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner and a former motor rally driver noted that it’s an opportunity for the Rukungiri business Community to have this event held in the district thus asking the residents to prepare how they will benefit from this golden opportunity.
Bewayo warned motorcyclists and pedestrians against extravagance during the time so that the fun filled days don’t end up into tears adding that together with the District Police Commander who was represented at the launch by ASP Agaba Kenneth, the OC station Rukungiri have already set up a force of over 150 Security officers to man the function
Santurina Namanya Kakyene the Boona FM station manager urged the business community and local people to cooperate towards making this motor rally a success.
The Rukungiri Business Community Chairperson Byaruhanga Crysostom Rwakaana hailed Maanige stressing that he has differentiated character that isn’t common with many people especially when it’s time to invest in their home areas.
Rwakana called on the business community to embrace the event for it will benefit thousands especially those in accommodation and hotel businesses.
The North Kigezi Diocesan Secretary Rev. Enock Karamuzi noted that the event is a stress reliever which no Member of the public must not miss and hailed the minds behind Boona FM for creating a platform where members of the community can be employed.
“This rally is a form of economic growth promotion, especially the number of people set to benefit from this event either directly or indirectly” said Karamuzi.
Rev. Dr. Fr Julius Turyatoranwa hailed Maanige and the entire team for being visionary leaders who have on several occasions organised events that are meant to boost the business community adding that God’s blessings are upon them pledging total support to the event.
The event where the Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire is expected to be the chief guest will be crowned with a musical extravaganza at Rukungiri stadium which will feature artistes like Ronald Mayinja, Gravity Omutuju, Taremwa Paul aka TPaul, Mary Asiimwe, Jackie Bwemi, Elite Timmy among others.
