Ssegaabwe takes commanding Kabalega Rally lead as NRC title goes to the wire
The two-day event, which flagged off on November 22, has energised spectators in the districts of Kikuube and Hoima. The rally concludes today, November 23.
Rally ace Musa Ssegaabwe has demonstrated remarkable prowess and determination in his quest for this year’s National Rally Championship (NRC) title. (Photo by Gerald Kikulwe)
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Rally ace Musa Ssegaabwe has demonstrated remarkable prowess and determination in his quest for this year’s National Rally Championship (NRC) title after emerging as the overnight leader in the ongoing United Motorsports Club Kabalega Rally, the grand finale that will determine the 2024 champion.
The two-day event, which flagged off on November 22, has energised spectators in the districts of Kikuube and Hoima. The rally concludes today, November 23.
On day one, Ssegaabwe, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most promising young talents, delivered an outstanding performance consistent with his impressive form this season.
He posted a cumulative time of 41 minutes, 52 seconds and 07 microseconds (0:41:52:07). He was closely followed by Duncan Mubiru “Kikankane” (0:42:17:11), Umar Dauda (0:43:43:12), Ronald Ssebuguzi (0:45:04:15) and others.
Rally ace Musa Ssegaabwe posted a cumulative time of 41 minutes, 52 seconds and 07 microseconds (0:41:52:07). (Photo by Gerald Kikulwe)
Driving a Subaru Impreza N14, Ssegaabwe entered this decisive final event trailing NRC points leader Ronald Ssebuguzi by only 53 points, with Ssebuguzi having accumulated 294 points. To remain in contention for the national title, Ssegaabwe must win the Kabalega Rally, finish at least third in the power stage, and hope that Ssebuguzi fails to finish.
As the final day begins, Ssegaabwe faces intense pressure to maintain his lead and prevent any rival from finishing ahead of him.
“I am greatly thankful to God for the day-one victory,” Ssegaabwe said. “I pray that I can finish first again after day two, and then let God decide who takes the NRC title.”
He added, “The competition is tough, and our car is not performing at full strength, but we are grateful for how it has handled the stages so far. I am simply hoping for a win here in Hoima. The outcome of the NRC title is ultimately beyond my control, but I am proud of my performance this season. If I do not win the title, I will keep working hard and continue striving for excellence.”
Sunday's final leg features four stages: Tebenda spanning 15.7 km, Kyamasuuka (22.8 km), and Lugose (12.8 km), which will be repeated as the power stage.
The motorsport fraternity now awaits the final outcome, as the Kabalega Rally promises a dramatic conclusion to this year’s championship.