Local motorsport ruling body, Federation of Motorsport Clubs Uganda (FMU), has cancelled the Rukaali-Lake Mburo Mbarara Challenge Rally after organisers failed to secure the event’s permit from the ministry of works and transport.
The two-rally, which was due to flag off Friday, January 21 in parts of Mbarara district, is the season opener, according to the 2022 National Rally Championship (NRC) calendar.
In a statement issued on Thursday (January 20), FMU general secretary Irene Blick said the rally organisers, Mbarara Motor Club failed to submit relevant documents as required by FMU and the ministry transport to process an event permit.
For any motorsport to happen in the country, organisers must have a Speed-lift Instrument from the ministry of works and transport.
“It is in the interest of FMU that motorsport events are organized within the proper structures and the recommended guidelines as provided for by our regulations as well as the respective ministries,” Blick stated in her statement.
The FMU executive is expected to decide on the way forward soon, she added. The organizing club and its officials are likely to face punitive action for breach of FMU regulations.
Ordinarily, drivers who already spent on preparing their cars and crews for the event are counting losses both in time and finances.