The International University of East Africa (IUEA) emerged victorious as the champion of the first round of the 2024 UMOSPOC Rally, held on February 24th at Bunjako Island in Buwama, Mpigi District. This annual event, organised in collaboration with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda, World Wide Movers Sandline Beach, and TIO Travels and Tours, showcased IUEA’s prowess in supporting skills and talents often overlooked in developing countries.
What is an UMOSPOC Rally?
The UMOSPOC Rally is an annual autocross championship, a massive undertaking organised in partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the leading authority on motorsport activities in Uganda. Affiliated with the National Council for Sports and recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the FMU set the stage for this thrilling event, which marked the first round of the 2024 championship.
Who participated in this UMOSPOC rally?
Despite fierce competition, IUEA secured the top position with a significant lead. The participants and their respective times in this inaugural round were:
- Hassan Alwi/ Musa Nsubuga (06:42:20)
- Musa Ssegaabwe/ Mathias Kiyega (06:53:80)
- Mustapha Mukasa/ Lawrence Mwambazi (07:08:30)
- Unisan Bakunda/ Hussein Mukuye (07:10:20)
- Joshua Muwanguzi/ Hamza Lwanga (07:32:00)
- 16 Faizal Kayira (07:39:40)
- Denis Bahizi/ Raymond MUNYS (07:40:20)
- Nasser Mutebi/ David M (07:45:50)
- Kevin Bebeto/ Siraje Kyamba (08:25:80)
- Odeon Tumwebaze/ Asuman Kiyingi (09:02:60)
- Ahmed Senyonjo/ Hussein Mukuye (09:39:20)
- Isaac Mutyaba (09:59:90)
Who won the UMOSPOC rally on behalf of IUEA?
Led by Ambassador Hassan Alwi, the university’s Resident Director, the IUEA rally team showcased remarkable skill and determination. Ambassador Alwi, a seasoned racer, returned to the track after a sabbatical, proving his mettle once again. This was reminiscent of the 2018 Kabalega UMOSPOC rally in which he had an impressive victory, finishing the race in 1 minute 59 seconds. His victory not only signifies pride in the IUEA community but also underscores his support for the Ugandan racing community.
“We just came to have fun and feel my car because we had taken too long without racing it but am happy that we won it and I will be supporting UMOSPOC by competing in the UMOSPOC Kabalega rally later in November,” said Amb. Hassan.
How did the rally benefit IUEA students?
IUEA students enjoyed an exclusive trip to witness the rally, immersing themselves in the thrill of the competition and the richness of local culture. This experience, aligned with the university’s Tourism and Hospitality management program, exemplifies IUEA’s commitment to holistic education and experiential learning.
Has IUEA made any strides in improving the automotive industry?
Rooted in technology and innovation, IUEA is driving strides in the automotive industry through various inventions, including the revolutionary IUEA electric bike. These innovations, a result of collaborative efforts among students across disciplines, are poised to transform Uganda’s transportation landscape.
The 2024 UMOSPOC Rally was not only a triumph for IUEA but also a testament to the university’s dedication to sports and student enrichment. With accolades from attendees, participants, and media outlets like New Vision, this event exemplified IUEA’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.
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