Ugandan rally driver Oscar Ntambi is geared up and fully prepared to take on the challenge of the 2026 Safari Rally, one of the most demanding rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship.
The KCB-sponsored driver will represent Uganda as part of a four-man contingent, fulfilling a lifelong dream just as he debuts a competitive new machine.
Ntambi will pilot a Mitsubishi Evo 10 Ralliart, a car he acquired shortly before the event. The timing of the new purchase has injected fresh confidence into the team, as the vehicle meets the stringent FIA safety and technical regulations required for a WRC event.
"Am glad I was chosen out of the many by KCB to represent Uganda. Thank God I had just acquired a good car that meets the FIA requirements," Ntambi said.
While Ntambi brings raw talent and recent form to the driver’s seat, he will be relying heavily on the man to his right. Co-driver Asuman Muhammed has previously navigated the infamous African terrain at this level, making his insight invaluable for the grueling 350 km competitive distance.
"With Asuman, he has the experience of the terrain; he has been at this level before, so I will rely on his experience," Oscar noted.
The Safari Rally is notorious for punishing mechanical failures and driver errors. Weather can shift from dusty heat to slippery mud in minutes, and the rugged landscape demands absolute trust between driver and co-driver. Muhammed’s familiarity with the route and ability to call pacenotes accurately will be critical to keeping the new Mitsubishi out of trouble.
Ntambi is no stranger to success. A former contender in the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) and a past 2WD champion, he has steadily climbed the motorsport ladder. This year marks a significant step up. Unlike his previous visits to the Safari Rally as a spectator, Ntambi returns as a fully-fledged competitor, determined to benchmark himself against the world’s elite.
Ntambi will not be alone in flying the Ugandan flag. He is joined by a formidable lineup of compatriots, including Duncan Mubiru, Timothy Gawaya, and Yasin Nasser. Together, they form a strong Ugandan challenge eager to make an impact on the international stage and bring regional pride home from Kenya.