Two-time national rally champion Susan Muwonge is on a move to revamp her rally career with an attempt at the Africa Rally Championship adventure.
Super Lady, as commonly referred to, revealed her intent to compete for the ARC2 category starting with the second round of ARC, the Pearl of Africa Rally, scheduled for May 9-11 in Western Uganda.
Muwonge is among the most celebrated rally drivers in Uganda. She won two national titles in 2011 and 2018.
“It is time for me to try a bigger stage,” Muwonge told Kawowo Sports.
“I am categorised under ARC2 for Pearl rally, and that prompted me to think of trying something new. ARC2 will give me the new adventure that was missing in my rally experience,” she added.
Entering the ARC2 title chase will allow Muwonge to test her first rally experience outside Uganda.
“Just thinking about racing outside Uganda gives me the excitement. I think this is the time for me,” she said.
In the ARC2, Muwonge will be against Tanzania’s Prince Charles Nyerere, compatriots Michael Mukula, Moustapha Mukasa, Kenya’s Hamza Anwar and Issa Amwari among others.
Despite returning to the cockpit after almost five years, Muwonge believes the hiatus will not dent her performance come the Pearl rally.
“Honestly, I don’t expect to be at the top of my game in Mbarara. It has been long since I have been in the competition but I will take it on stage by stage with a focus on securing a decent finish from the event,” she said.
Muwonge will be sharing the cockpit with Musa Nsubuga. It will be her first-ever outing without her longtime co-driver Edmond Kyeyune.
She confessed to having fright of sitting with another person.
“Kyeyune and I had our strong bond and chemistry while inside there.
“Musa is an experienced driver, I have full trust in him. But the fact is, it will take me a few stages to realise I am with a new person in the car. It sounds funny but it’s true,” she explained.
The Pearl of Africa Rally will run for three days, starting with the qualifying stage and shakedown on 8 May.
Rally will start proper on Friday with three stages, including a Super Special stage at the Rukaari Resort.