Night stages return as NRC heads to Jinja and Kayunga

The fourth round of the National Rally Championship (NRC), officially titled the Amos Lugoloobi Stabex EMC Rally, is set to ignite excitement across the districts of Jinja and Kayunga from July 10–12.

This year’s edition promises high-octane action, marking the much-anticipated return of night stages—an electrifying feature last seen nine years ago.

The revival of night sections has been met with enthusiasm from motorsport fans and clubs, who have long called for their comeback since their suspension after the 2016 SMC Masaka Rally. The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) had previously halted night stages due to safety concerns. However, the Eastern Motor Club, organizers of this year’s rally, has taken bold steps to reintroduce them with enhanced safety measures.

Kees Kagolo, EMC President and a key figure in the rally’s organization, emphasized the extensive planning undertaken to balance safety with excitement. A standout feature will be the IUEA section—a 3km super special stage that will run both during the day and at night, offering fans a rare chance to witness the rally under different lighting conditions.

The rally’s itinerary is designed to challenge drivers across diverse terrains. Day one in Jinja will feature four stages: Ssegaamu (18km), KCB Bank (25km), Across the Nile Resort (9km), and the IUEA Super Special Stage (3km). On day two, the action shifts to Kayunga, where competitors will tackle the Amos Lugoloobi (25km) and Stabex (15km) stages—each run twice to push drivers to their limits.

Safety remains a top priority. Organizers have implemented robust barricades and strict spectator zones. Kagolo has urged fans to respect these measures, highlighting the high-speed nature of the event and the inherent risks involved.

Alwi returns with a new machine

Veteran rally driver Hassan Alwi is set to make a powerful return to the NRC circuit with a new weapon in his arsenal—a Ford Fiesta Proto. Known for its superior handling and speed, the car is expected to give Alwi a competitive edge as he aims to secure his first NRC points of the season.

After a brief hiatus, Alwi is eager to reassert himself at the EMC Rally in Jinja and Kayunga. Confident in his new machine, he’s ready to take on a formidable lineup of rivals.

Among the top contenders are Yasin Nasser in the Ford Fiesta R5 NEMO, and seasoned drivers Ronald Ssebuguzi, Duncan Mubiru, and John Consta—all piloting Ford Fiesta Protos. Also in the mix is the experienced Ponsiano Lwakataka in a Subaru Impreza N12B.

Despite the stiff competition, Alwi remains focused and determined. His deep knowledge of the rally landscape, combined with the capabilities of his new car, positions him as a serious contender. With renewed energy and a clear goal, Alwi is poised to make a lasting impact on this year’s championship.