Nasser Mutebi triumphs at Rukaari Lake Mburo Autocross, eyes strong 2025

Returning rally ace Nasser Mutebi can believe in a successful comeback to the sport after showcasing his skills by winning the Rukaari Lake Mburo autocross at Mwesigwa Resort on Saturday.

Navigated by Stephen Bunya, the 2010 NRC champion Mutebi overcame challenges from Musa Ssegabwe and Andy Musoke to win the one-day event.

Driving his trademark Mitsubishi Evo 9, the Red Sun-sponsored driver finished in 6 minutes and 24 seconds, beating Ssegabwe and Musoke, who finished in 6 minutes and 36 seconds for the 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.

Didas Matsiko had engine failure

Local favorite Didas Matsiko, who finished the 2024 NRC season in 9th position, had his Subaru Impreza N14 develop engine problems in the second round of the two-round 5.8km lap, finishing 6th. Yasin Mukasa finished 5th, while another local, Topher Kateera, also had car troubles, finishing 9th.

“We are happy with our comeback and ready to take on stronger machines in the 2025 season. My car is old, but we plan to organize $15,000 (about 55 million UGX) to fix it. Fortunately, my sponsor, Redsun International, is staying with us for the next season, so expect us to compete at the top,” said Mutebi.

Mutebi, who took a 10-year rally sabbatical, returned in the 2024 season with an impressive win at the second round of the NRC in Masaka in April. He then finished 18th in the May Pearl of Africa meet in Uganda.

Yasin Mukasa impressed with a 5th place finish

This was followed by three 3rd place finishes in the Moi EMC Kyabazinga rally, the Gulu rally, and the Mountain Gorilla rally. He closed his return campaign with a 7th place finish in the Fort Portal rally, ending the NRC year in 4th position with 213.5 points, behind Moustapha Mukasa, Ronald Ssebuguzi, and eventual champion Jas Mangat.

Mukasa, in a Mitsubishi Evo 9, will now compete against top-class cars like Jas Mangat's Hyundai i20, Yasin Nasser’s Ford Fiesta R5, and the Ford R5s of Duncan Mubiru and Ronald Ssebuguzi, with Moses Lumala joining the competition in the same car for the upcoming season.

Rukaari Lake Mburo Autocross top 6

Nasser Mutebi 0:06.09

Musa Ssegabwe 0:06.24

Andy Musoke 0:06.36

Denis Bahizi 0:06.41

Yasin Mukasa 0:06.47

Didas Matsiko 0:06.53