The 2026 WRC Safari Rally delivered a brutal reality check to the Ugandan contingent on Friday, as the gruelling terrain of Naivasha claimed its first major regional victim. While the day was marked by the disappointing retirement of national favorite Yasin Nasser, the spirits of Ugandan fans remained high thanks to a gritty display of endurance from Oscar Ntambi and the ever-resilient Duncan “Kikankane” Mubiru.
The morning loop proved to be a hurdle too high for Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba. Their Ford Fiesta Mk II, a machine built for pace, succumbed to the treacherous “wet” conditions of the rift. Overheating issues—triggered by the thick, volcanic mud clogging the radiator—forced the duo to pull over, effectively ending their competitive run for the day. While the team hopes to restart under SuperRally rules to salvage crucial African Rally Championship (ARC) points, the setback is a heavy blow to their podium aspirations.
In the face of Nasser’s exit, the Ugandan flag was kept flying by Oscar Ntambi. Navigated by Uthmaan Muhamadi, Ntambi’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X survived a punishing afternoon in the Kedong and Loldia stages. Despite the jagged rocks that littered the route, Ntambi maintained a steady rhythm to end the day as the top-placed Ugandan.
Not far behind, veteran Duncan Mubiru reminded everyone why he is a staple of East African rallying.
Prioritizing mechanical survival over raw speed, “Kikankane” and Jimmy Kamya navigated their Subaru Impreza through the carnage, successfully returning to the Service Park to prepare for Saturday’s daunting stages around Lake Elmenteita.
Regional Standings At a Glance (Day 2)
- Karan Patel ( Kenya) | Skoda Fabia, Running (14th Overall)
- Aakif Virani ( Kenya) Skoda Fabia, Running (18th Overall)
- Oscar Ntambi (Uganda) Mitsubishi Evo X, Running (28th Overall)
- Duncan Mubiru (Uganda) Subaru Impreza, Running (35th Overall)
- Yasin Nasser (Uganda) Ford Fiesta (DNF) (Overheating) |
It’s really disheartening to see Nasser pulled out like that, especially with the effort the whole team puts in. The conditions out there are just incredibly tough on the cars.