Rukari is a famous name among the people of Mbarara. However, over the years, the name has also been coming off the mouths of many within the motorsport fraternity.  

Robert Mwesigwa Rukari is the Member of Parliament representing Mbarara North. 

His involvement in motorsport especially in the Western region has been glaringly evident as he plays a pivotal role in the season opening Mbarara rally as an organiser, sponsor as well as a fan. 

Motorsport has been treated to the beauty of a super special stage that runs over Rukari’s farm in Mbarara. 

The inspiration to avail the area has come from Rukari’s liking for the sport. 

“I have been a rally fan since childhood; since Amin’s time as a kid. At one time, I even followed Amin when he came to Mbarara and stopped at Agip. Since then, I have been following the rally. I became a Team EMKA fan and followed him all around,” Hon.Rukari said.

“Subsequently, as a political leader,  it is my duty now to support the sport because the NRM government promotes domestic tourism. And this is part of that.”

Hon.Rukari says while sports is a unifying factor, the development elements have also comfortably enabled motorsport to thrive in the region. 

“This is a sport many fans follow and it can bring in serious entrepreneurship in our towns and districts. So from an entrepreneur’s point of view, Mbarara people have gained a lot. From hotels, restaurants, bars and food venders, everybody benefits. Eventually taxes are paid and the government earns from it,” he told Kawowo Sports.

This year’s Pearl of Africa Uganda rally; a regional ARC event has been  proposed to take place in Mbarara this May. Rukari says this is a double advantage for the Mbarara people. 

“We are excited that Pearl is coming here. This proves that we have everything to make a good event.”

“I want to bring the western group together. And see how we can support them for the Pearl rally. It can be embarrassing if we don’t have our own in such an event.”

“I would wish to encourage different institutions to come up and support different teams in order for our sport to have the vigor and energy,” he said.

While Hon.Rukari is excited about the prospects of the Pearl rally heading to Mbarara, he knows too well the challenges the motorsport federation FMU is facing. 

“It is true there are issues between the leadership of FMU and a few individuals in different clubs that have also pulled government institutions to come in.”

“As a political leader, if there are few issues which are not settled, they shouldn’t bring down the whole sport. These are things that can be sorted from the table,” he said. 

The legal battles have threatened the sport. Hon. Rukari is concerned that the continuance of the court battles could impede the avenues of growth for both the sport ahd his area. 

“Look at the fans we have, the revenue that I have talked about is from here. Now because of mere misunderstandings among individuals, they want all these to fall down! I will not accept it. We shall do everything possible to protect this sport.

“I don’t think we shall defend any one who wants to put the national sport down because of individual selfishness.” he asserted.

The legislator also hopes that the new requirements by the national sports law will make his region the front runner in the sport. 

According to the new law, sport disciplines should cover a range of districts in the country. 

“We have to form regional teams which will be competing against other regions. For us in Mbarara, we are lucky we have had the NRC. ANd now we are waiting for the Pearl of Africa. We already have autocross. So part of this region of Uganda is covered. We can show others how we have done this.” 

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