When the National Rally Championship heads to Gulu, history says expect drama. Expect heartbreak. Expect a championship to be shaped.
For two consecutive seasons, the Gulu rally has been the ultimate championship decider, and its ghosts still linger on those dusty Northern stages.
In 2024, Gulu broke Dr. Moustapha Mukasa’s title dream. A bitter disagreement with his navigator Lawrence Mwambazi mid-event forced the pair out of contention, a moment that effectively handed Jas Mangat a clear path to his fourth National title.
Then came last season. Gulu once again played kingmaker. The rough stages left legend Ronald Ssebuguzi needing only to finish the season finale the UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally to be crowned champion. He did just that, nursing his car home and sealing his own fourth championship milestone. Gulu had done its job.
But this year, the script is different.
Unlike previous years where it came as the second-last event on the calendar, the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally in Gulu returns this time as Round 5, with three more rounds still to come. It won’t crown a champion directly but it could very well decide who can become one.
All eyes are on Hassan Alwi, who arrives in Gulu still leading the championship standings as he hunts for his maiden NRC title. He has been consistent, fast, and hungry all season.
The question now is — will Gulu maintain its reputation?
Will the Northern heat, the demanding terrain and the pressure of the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally once again shake up the championship table? Or will Alwi survive the decider and strengthen his grip on that elusive first title?
Gulu has never been just another round. It is where champions are made and broken.
My experience in that specific location was different. I noticed the crowd energy shifted significantly.