Uganda's rally champion Yasin Nasser eyes Bwera Rally after historic Safari finish

Fresh from his landmark finish at the grueling WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, Uganda's rally star Yasin Nasser is weighing up participation in next week's Bwera Bristo SMC Challenge Rally (April 4-6) in Greater Masaka.

Nasser, alongside navigator Ali Katumba, made history in their factory Ford Fiesta R5 NEMO by securing their first-ever finish at the prestigious WRC event - breaking a streak of two consecutive retirements.

The Moil Energies-sponsored crew overcame early setbacks, including a broken front left arm on Friday that forced a temporary retirement, before storming back under Super Rally rules to claim third in both the African Rally Championship (ARC) and Tanzanian National Rally Championship (TNRC) categories, while finishing 18th overall in the WRC standings.

"This was our toughest Safari yet," Nasser told reporters. "The NEMO took serious punishment and is undergoing repairs. If my team confirms it's race-ready before the deadline, we'll definitely be in Masaka."

The Bwera event marks the second round of Uganda's national championship following January's MPU Mbarara Rally. With 15 crews already registered and expectations of 30 entries, Clerk of Course George William Ssemakula anticipates a competitive field.

Nasser's potential participation adds star power to the event, as the reigning national champion looks to build on his hard-earned Safari Rally momentum. His 2023 campaign ended dramatically when his Ford Fiesta R5 rolled beyond repair at Kedong stage, while his 2021 debut concluded with engine failure in a Subaru GVB. This year's finish signals a turning point for the determined Ugandan ace.