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Covering a total distance of just over 59 kilometres across five stages, the competitors wasted no time in pushing their limits.
The opening day of the Kabalega Rally, organized by the Central Motor Club, witnessed thrilling action as Ponsiano Lwakataka made an impressive return to the rally scene after nearly a year away.
However, it was Yasin Nasser who emerged as the leader, showcasing his dominance behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta R5.
The headline act of the day was undoubtedly the intense battle between Lwakataka and Nasser, setting the stage for an exhilarating second day.
Covering a total distance of just over 59 kilometres across five stages, the competitors wasted no time in pushing their limits.
Lwakataka, starting strong, secured victory on the opening stage, edging out his rivals by a two-second margin.
However, Lwakataka’s slim lead evaporated in the next section, finishing over two minutes off Nasser’s benchmark time set on the 19.7 km stage – the longest of the day.
Undeterred, Lwakataka regained his momentum, delivering impressive performances on the following two stages.
But Nasser remained in a league of his own, clinching victory in three of the day's five stages.
Lwakataka had the final say by winning the last stage, reducing Nasser's overnight lead to less than 90 seconds.
Meanwhile, Ronald Ssebuguzi secured the third position overall, trailing Nasser by 2 minutes and 41 seconds, and Lwakataka by 1 minute and 13 seconds.
Duncan Mubiru, fresh off his triumph at the Pearl of Africa Rally, faced a tougher challenge and finds himself off pace, currently with a daunting 2 minutes and 54 seconds deficit to recover.
Hassan Alwi and Musa Nsubuga, driving a Subaru Impreza N14, rounded out the top five.
Rookie crew of Ali Mohamed and his brother Ahmed Anees Mohamed, sons of 2008 National Rally Champion Dr. Ashiraf Ahmed, put up an exceptional performance and currently lie seventh overall.
As the rally enters its second day, the competitors will tackle a little under 60 kilometres, with the five stages attempted in reverse running order.
The thrilling pursuit for victory will see Nasser chasing down Lwakataka, setting the stage for an intense battle between two formidable contenders.
Six crews of the 24 that started the rally did not see the end of the day, including Nasser Mutebi, Edward Kirumira, Faisal Kayira, Isaac Ssozi, Godfrey Kirumira and Andy Musoke.
However, the have the option to restart the rally on Sunday under the restart regulations (Super rally).
Crews including Mustapha Mukasa, Jonas Kansiime, Oscar Ntambi and Muhamad Bweete run into challenges of their own and will have to take penalties for the sections they missed.
CMC Kabalega Hoima Rally 2023 Standings after Day One
Top Five Standings
Yasin Nasser/Ali Katumba Ford Fiesta R5 38:26.10
Ponsiano Lwakataka/Paul Musaazi Subaru Impreza N12B 39:54.20
Ronald Ssebuguzi/Anthony Mugambwa Ford Fiesta Proto 41:07.84
Duncan Mubiru/Joseph Bongole Ford Fiesta Proto 41:20.24
Hassan Ali Jnr/Musa Nsubuga Subaru Impreza N14 41:45.85
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