Ugandan driver Desh Kananura is exuding confidence ahead of the upcoming Mt Gorilla Rally championship set for July 31-August 1 in Nyamata and Rugende. 

Up to 11 drivers from Uganda have confirmed participation in the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) event that has attracted up to 24 drivers including the reigning African champion Jassy Singh of Zambia, current continental leader Jaspreet Chatte from Kenya as well as three-time Mt Gorilla Rally winner Rudy Cantanhede of Burundi.

On-form Desh Kananura, who finished third at the Fort Portal rally three weeks ago, is keen on replicating his domestic form on the regional level.

"It will be my first time to compete in Rwanda but I am coming to win. There is really no other target I have,” said Kananura in an exclusive interview with Times Sport yesterday.

In a Subaru Impreza N14 alongside navigator Moses Matovu, Kananura who was competing in super stages and is in his first year of competing at this stage, said he is ready for the big stage.

Kananura said, "I know that Africa’s biggest drivers will be in Rwanda but I am ready for the challenge.”

Asked about this rivalry with Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru and Jon Costa, the bullish Kananura said, "We want to settle the argument at the Mt Gorilla Rally in Rwanda. We shall see who the best driver is among us and I will emerge as the best.”

Meanwhile, Kananura has sponsored all the 10 other rally drivers for an undisclosed fee. "This is a gesture of support so that we have more Ugandan drivers at the Mt Gorilla Rally.”

The Mt Gorilla Rally is the fifth event on the ARC calendar after championships in Ivory Coast, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania.

Chatthe is currently leading the ARC table standings with 50 points while Singh has 36 points. Zambian Muna Singh Jr (30 points) and the reigning African champion Gary Chaynes of Ivory Coast (25 points) sit in third and fourth position respectively.

Rwandan drivers: Davite Giancarlo (Mitsubishi Evolution X), Felekeni Mayaka (Peugeot 205), Julien Mayaka (Peugeot 205), Janvier Mutuga (Toyota Corolla RSI), Jean Claude Gakwaya (Subaru Impreza) and Mitraros Elefterios (Subaru Impreza).

Ugandan drivers: Desh Kananura (Subaru Impreza), Fred Busuulwa (Subaru Impreza), Peter Kakaire (Subaru Impreza) and Edson Mungyereza (Subaru Impreza), Jon Costa (Mitsubishi Evo XI) and Musa Kabega (Mitsubishi Lancer).

Burundian drivers: Rudy Cantanhede (Mitsubishi Evo 4) and Valery Bukera (Subaru Impreza).

Kenyan driver: Jaspreet Chatte (Mitsubishi Evolution X)

Zambian driver: Jassy Singh (Subaru Impreza)

Tanzanian driver: Yassin Nasser (Subaru Impreza)

editorial@newtimes.co.rw