Kabalega Rally in Hoima to decide 2025 National Rally Champion

The upcoming UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally, set for next month in Hoima, will determine the 2025 National Rally Champion (NRC) following a dramatic turn of events at the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally held in Gulu City.

Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru, navigated by Joseph Kamya in a Ford Fiesta Proto, emerged victorious in the two-day rally, overcoming stiff competition to deny current table leader Ronald Sebuguzi an early celebration of his fourth NRC title.

Sebuguzi, navigated by Anthony Mugambwa in a similar Ford Fiesta Proto, now sits just eight points short of clinching the championship.

Dunkan Mubiru powers his Ford Fiesta Proto in the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally

Sebuguzi leads the NRC standings with 294 points, holding a 52.5-point advantage over second-placed Musa Ssegaabwe. Ssegaabwe moved up the rankings after Ponsiano Lwakataka failed to complete the rally.

Mubiru posted the fastest time of the event, finishing with a total time loss of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 10.9 seconds (01:04:10.9), ahead of Sebuguzi’s 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 44.4 seconds (01:05:44.4).

Godfrey Aine Kaguta, popularly known as Sodo, navigated by Asuman Muhamed in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10, secured third place with a time loss of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 54 seconds. Peter Kalule finished fourth, followed by KCB Bank-sponsored Oscar Ntambi in fifth. Hassan Alwi, who had a strong start on day one, came sixth after suffering suspension issues on day two.

Alwi, an ambassador for IUEA University, lost valuable time due to mechanical setbacks. The rally’s smooth roads encouraged high-speed driving, which led to Lwakataka veering off the loose terrain and damaging his car.

Sudir Ruparelia (C) after awarding Ronald Sebuguzi (R) and Anthony Mugabwa their plaques for emerging second overall in the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally at Acholi in Gulu City. PHOTO: Johnson Were

The atmosphere in Gulu was electric, with fans turning out in large numbers. General Charles Otema and the Mayor of Gulu City praised the event’s impact, urging organizers to make it an annual fixture due to its economic benefits for the local community.

Ssegaabwe eyes NRC title

With the championship still up for grabs, Sebuguzi must deliver a strong performance in Hoima to secure the title. Meanwhile, Musa Ssegaabwe, who finished eighth in Gulu, now sits second on the NRC leaderboard with 241.5 points. A win in Hoima could earn him his first NRC title—provided Sebuguzi falters.

Driving a Mitsubishi Evo9, Ssegaabwe was in top form on day one but encountered mechanical issues that pushed him out of podium contention.

Unofficial NRC Standings top 5

1. Ronald Sebuguzi 294pts

2. Musa Ssegaabwe 241.5pts

3. Ponsiano Lwakataka 235points

4. Duncan Mubiru 197pts

5. Aine Sodo - 184.6pts

CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Rally Results:

1.Duncan Mubiru 01:04:10.9

2.Ronald Sebuguzi 01:05:44.4

3.Aine Sodo Kaguta 01:13:54.4

4.Peter Kalule 01:14:42.2

5.Oscar Ntambi 01:15:38.8

6.Hassan Alwi 01:17:22.6