The 2026 Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) is set to roar into life this month, and for the first time in years, the spotlight shifts East to the high-speed terrains of Mbale City for Round 1.
With the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) confirming a 33-car entry list, the KCB Mbale City Rally promises to be a battle of upgraded machinery, veteran grit, and rising stars.
The headline story of the 2026 season opener is the sheer dominance of the Ford Fiesta Proto in the top-tier PREM and DIV1 categories.
Leading the pack is the defending 2025 National Champion, Ronald Sebuguzi, navigated by Anthony Mugambwa. Having finally secured his fourth title last season, Sebuguzi is the man with the target on his back.
However, the competition is fierce. The legendary Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru returns in his trademark Ford Fiesta Proto, looking to reclaim the top spot. Joining the “Proto Brigade” is Hassan Alwi, whose recent switch to the Ford platform has sent ripples through the service park.
All eyes will also be on Oscar Ntambi. Fresh off an impressive World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally debut in Kenya just weeks ago, Ntambi returns to local soil with high confidence. Sponsored by KCB, Ntambi’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is expected to be a major threat to the Protos on the rougher sections of the Mbale route.
He is joined in the KCB stable by Nasser Mutebi and Michael Mukula Jr., both piloting the reliable Mitsubishi Evo 9 and Subaru Impreza N14 respectively.
Ones to Watch: The 2WD and CRC Battles
It isn’t just about the 4WD monsters. The Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) category sees a heavy fight between Hajji Ahmed Senyonjo and Edward Kirumira.
Meanwhile, the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) category is headlined by Doreen Asiimwe, one of the leading female drivers in the country, who will be testing her limits in the Toyota Corolla FX.
With 33 crews confirmed, the technical diversity—from the Ford Fiesta Protos to the classic Subaru Imprezas and Mitsubishi Evos—sets the stage for what many are calling the most competitive NRC season in a decade.
