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Kenya's Samman Vohra has taken the first day
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By Our Reporter
Kenya’s Samman Singh Vohra took an early lead on day one of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) after an impressive display on the new terrain in Mbarara on Friday.
The event, which saw 48 crews flagged off, had the Kenyan champion dominate from start to finish. He won the opening 6km Rukaari section before going on to conquer the Ankole Cow, Charles Muhangi, and Kaguta sections inside the NAGRIC area in Sanga, clocking a total time of 34:43.42.
Kenyan Samman Vohra powers his Skoda
Driving a rare Skoda Fabia Evo Rally2, Samman beat fellow Kenyan and defending champion Karan Patel—also in a Skoda—by over a minute. Patel posted a time of 35:47.62.
Patel only managed to edge Samman in the super special stage, winning by microseconds. The two were paired for a thrilling head-to-head that had the crowd in wild cheers. Patel finished the stage in 2:30.29, just ahead of Samman’s 2:30.53.
Ugandan drivers follow closely in positions 3 through 9, with Kenyan paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania rounding out the top 10.
Yasin Nasser leads Uganda’s charge in third with 37:29.47, followed by Duncan Mubiru in fourth with 38:27.48.
Promising talent Michael Mukula Jr. sits in fifth, followed by Musa Ssegabwe, Peter Kalule, Moustapha Mukasa, and Didas Matsiko.
Duncan Mubiru in action
Despite hopes of challenging the Kenyan dominance, some Ugandan drivers ran into early setbacks. Ponsiano Lwakataka’s Subaru Impreza N12B suffered engine problems, Susan Muwonge hit a waterbuck which damaged her bonnet and radiator, and Ronald Ssebuguzi experienced mechanical issues—reaching the finish of the Kaguta section nearly at the same time as Duncan Mubiru.
Ugandans, led by Nasser, will now need to mount a strong comeback on day two, Saturday, which will see all five sections repeated before the final V-Power stage at Mwesigwa Resorts.
POAUR Day One first ten
Samman Vohra 34:43.42
Karan Patel 35:47.62
Yassin Nasser 37:29.49
Duncxan Mubiru 38:27.48
Mike MUKURA Jr 39:47.87
Musa Ssegabwe 40:31.62
Peter Kalure 43:49.64
Moustapha Mukasa 44:06.14
Didas Matsiko 45:11.78
Nikhil Sachaina 45:16.21
Torch Media Africa
