Betika, one of Africa’s leading gaming and lifestyle brand has reveled in sponsoring Ugandan rally ace Duncan Mubiru Kikankane in the recently concluded WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
Mubiru, popularly known as “Kikankane”, had a strong pace throughout the rally and managed to win five sections, with a podium finish well within reach.
Unfortunately, they encountered technical challenges following heavy rainfall, which affected their wiper system and severely limited visibility.
The Safari Rally is billed as one of the toughest events on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar.
Kikankane's participation marked another milestone in a decorated rally career that spans over a decade and includes multiple rally victories and the prestigious 2021 Uganda National Rally Championship title.
Having started his rally journey in 2010, Mubiru’s passion for motorsport was sparked from a young age, growing up around a family motor workshop where his fascination with cars and rallying took root.
Over the years, he has built an impressive record on the regional rally circuit, claiming victories in events such as the Hoima Rally, Gulu Rally, Pearl of Africa Rally, and Mbarara Rally, among others.
According to officials, Betika’s sponsorship enabled Mubiru to compete on one of rallying’s most iconic stages, providing a platform for regional drivers to showcase their talent against some of the world’s best competitors.
Speaking after the rally, Mubiru expressed gratitude for the support that made his participation possible.
“This sponsorship is a great opportunity for me because I have been rallying for years without major backing and still managed to win races. Our team worked tirelessly to get us back into the rally for Day 2, but the conditions remained difficult and our speed was significantly impacted. Later, further damage to the car made it unsafe to continue, and we had to retire from the rally in the interest of safety," Mubiru said.
"Despite the setback, this experience has only strengthened our resolve. We are proud to have represented Betika, a leading brand in East Africa, on such a global stage. The partnership between KRT and Betika is one we deeply value, and we remain committed to continuing this journey together."
Mubiru said beyond the Safari Rally, he has set his sights on even bigger goals this season, targeting success in both the Africa Rally Championship (ARC2) and the Uganda National Rally Championship, where he will compete using his Subaru GV8 for ARC events and Ford Fiesta Proto for the national series.
Commenting about their sponsorship, Desire Akanduhura , Marketing Lead at Betika Uganda, said they will continue investing in various sports disciplines.
“Motorsport continues to grow across the region, and Betika is proud to be part of that journey. By supporting talented drivers like Duncan Mubiru and investing in fan engagement, we are helping to elevate rally culture and create more opportunities for the sport to thrive. Our commitment remains to strengthen the motorsport ecosystem while giving rally fans in Uganda and across East Africa more reasons to celebrate the sport they love.”
As the dust settles on another thrilling Safari Rally edition, Mubiru’s performance stands as a testament to the depth of rally talent in the region and the power of strategic partnerships that enable African drivers to compete on the global stage.
