Rally fever hits Teso as KCB Championship kicks off in Soroti

Excitement among motorsport fans in the Teso sub-region continues to build as the fourth round of Uganda's premier rally series gets underway today, Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Soroti City.

The KCB National Rally Championship ventures into Teso soil for the very first time. The event will be held in Soroti and Katakwi districts, marking a historic milestone for both the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) and the people of Eastern Uganda.

In a significant show of local support ahead of the championship, the business community, boda boda riders, and political leadership have all welcomed the event.

"We are prepared and waiting for the visitors' arrival, so that we can see what we have been hearing on radios and televisions," said Joseph Edepu, a boda boda rider.

Meanwhile, Margaret Adeke, a hotel operator in the heart of Soroti City, expects to receive more customers during the rally weekend.

"I know in the period of three days when we shall be hosting the competitors in the area, I'm pretty sure of receiving different customers," said Adeke.

FMU Patron Michael Mukula said hosting an NRC round in Teso represents another major step in expanding Uganda's motorsport footprint, while creating opportunities for local communities to experience the excitement of rallying firsthand.

According to Mukula, the championship is also expected to inject significant economic activity into the Teso sub-region. Organizers estimate a large number of spectators, competitors, officials, sponsors, and tourists will descend on the area during the rally weekend. Hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, transport operators, supermarkets, entertainment venues, and numerous small businesses are all expected to benefit from the influx of visitors, reinforcing motorsport's growing contribution to sports tourism and local economic development.

He said the championship has received strong backing from Her Excellency Jesca Alupo, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu, who are expected to officiate the ceremonial flag-off in Soroti.

Kees Kagolo, President of the Eastern Motor Club, said they are working closely with FMU to ensure the championship delivers a memorable experience for competitors, fans, and host communities.

Kagolo said the rally itself promises an action-packed itinerary covering 289.02 kilometres, made up of 136.02 competitive kilometres and 153.64 liaison kilometres, spread across 10 competitive stages.

According to Kagolo, day one will feature four stages before competitors wrap up the day with an evening Super Special Stage. The IUEA Stage, measuring 17.16 kilometres, will be the day's longest test, while the Segamu 14 Stage at 10.65 kilometres will be the shortest, with both being repeated.

Action then shifts to Katakwi District on the final day, where crews will contest two stages repeated twice before the championship concludes with the all-important Power Stage. The Steadfast Forwarders Stage stretches 18.09 kilometres, making it the longest challenge of the day, while the MMC Stage measures 13.60 kilometres.