Despite facing opposition from some of its founding members, Central Motor Club (CMC) is poised to benefit hugely from the change of guard in administration. Recently, CMC held elections, which virtually sealed a switch in ownership from Rajab Kavuma to Rajiv Ruparelia.
The club owners have vowed to streamline governance at the eight-year-old club, one of the 15 affiliated to the country’s motorsport governing body, FMU.
Before the new administration came in, CMC hardly held annual general assemblies as prescribed in the FMU laws. The club’s constitution was also a preserve of few members.
Actually, even the federation had not taken initiative to see how authentic the club constitution was. Even the club president by then Kavuma couldn’t confirm how many members he had by end of last year.
But things are changing for the better. For instance, the new administration has set annual membership and life membership subscription fees at Shs 600,000 and Shs 5m respectively. The club has over 30 registered members and opened an office located on Cranes Chambers building, Kampala road.
Previously, all the core activities of the club were left to Kavuma and his family members. Jeff Kabagambe, the FMU deputy vice president, believes the new administration should be given a benefit of doubt.
“Let us give time to the new administration to put their ideas into practice. If they work out perfectly, I think all the clubs will have to follow suit,” Kabagambe said.
Though many clubs have been paying subscription not exceeding Shs 100,000, Kabagambe believes this is a new chapter. He adds that clubs do need to devise sources of income, especially looking for sponsors. He is optimistic CMC can manage this since its new leadership is well-connected with the corporate world.
Dr Ahmed Ashraf, who joined Central Motor Club early January, thinks the new administration should be given a chance instead of being criticized whatsoever the case may be. He joined from MOSAC, a club where he had been promised heaven on earth before joining it.
“The club [MOSAC] wasn’t supporting drivers yet they promised to do so. Drivers never had a voice and when I looked at all clubs, I realized CMC can provide relief. CMC, I understand without being politicized, can lead the way to develop the game,” Dr Ashraf, who won the 2008 national rally championship title, said.
Christakis Fitidis, another seasoned driver, is one of the other high-profile new members of CMC, having crossed from MOSAC. He is the vice chairperson, board of trustees.
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