Former Africa title contender Jas Mangat, current Champion Yasin Nasser and three times NRC title holder Ronald Ssebuguzi aka "Seb" make up a star-studded list of Ugandan drivers authorized for next month's WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
The Ugandan speedsters are known for their belligerence and brilliance, making their impending appearance in the rally that is penciled for June 24-27 worthwhile.
Mangat and Nasser are among the seven cleared by the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) ahead of the event which returns to the global circuit after a 19 -year hiatus.
However, the participation of Ugandan speed merchants will be subject to confirmation when the entry list is finalized.
Entries for Safari opened last month and will close on May 25 (1800hours)
Dipu Ruparelia, the FMU President signed a letter authorizing Team Uganda to be part of the potentially epic and tantalizing event.
Usually, ASNs (FIA affiliate Federations) are required to write to organizers to give consent to participants headed for competition in foreign countries.
In a letter to WRC Safari Rally organizers, Dipu said: "This is to inform you that 7 drivers have been cleared by FMU to participate in the WRC Safari Rally. Any assistance rendered to them will be highly appreciated,"
Of the seven, Mangat, who is known and revered for his incredible driving talent, is the most successful on Kenyan soil having already chalked up three key podium finishes- twice on ARC Safari and most recently on the revived ARC Equator Rally.
Mangat, who has rallied in Kenya since 2008, finished second behind Carl "Flash" Tundo in the 2011 edition of Safari and claimed a third position in 2018. He also savored third overall place during the recent ARC Equator Rally which acted as a dry run for the WRC Safari..
On the other hand, Seb is a three-time champion in 2007, 2009 and 2014, while Nasser is the reigning Uganda champion. Like Seb, Mangat is also a three-time Champion.
Also cleared by the home ASN to grace the fabled event are current NRC leader Duncan Mubiru aka Kikankane and Amaanraj Singh Rai who has since relocated to Uganda.
Amaanraj is son to two-times Kenya Champion Sarbi Rai who was Kenya's number one Sikh driver in the 90s when he racked up back to back KNRC titles almost without breaking a sweat.
Amaanraj is Rajbir Rai's brother and is also cousin to the high-flying Kabras Sugar Racing siblings Onkar and Tejveer, the current Kenyan leader. Amaanraj brings to Kenya a Ugandan licence for the second time on a trot after gracing Equator Rally last month.
Kepha Walubi is also in the list. He is no stranger to Kenyan gravel having already developed a penchant for KNRC events. He is now back in the saddle and so is Hassan Alwi, the 2016 Pearl of Africa rally winner and a two-time winner of the UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally.
Despite being regarded as also-rans in the rally, Walubi and Alwi are expected to produce a performance that should leave fans star-struck
