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As the dust settles and engines rev, the Masaka rally promises a contest where ambitions will be tested, rivalries renewed, and memories will be etched in the annals of motorsport history.
The countdown has begun for the thrilling Uganda National Rally Championship, setting pulses racing as the motorsport season shifts gears to Masaka this weekend [August 11-13].
A fan favourite event on the carlendar, christened the "Bam Petroleum SMC Challenge Rally," promises an adrenaline-packed experience for both drivers and spectators alike.
This year's Masaka rally will showcase a fresh route, winding through the terrains of Kyotera and Kalisizo and covering a competitive stretch of 136.23 kms.
With over 10 stages covered through Saturday and Sunday, fans will have their eyes peeled for the Super Special Stage at E-Villas Kalisizo where they will enjoy the cars compete side by side.
Duncan Mubiru ‘Kikankane’, winner of the rally in 2022, returns to the scene of his previous triumph, with aspirations to replicate his stellar performance from last year.
But as the engines roar to life, home hero Ponsiano Lwakataka will definitely set out to steal the limelight.
Despite his championship aspirations taking a back seat this year, Mafu Mafu is hell-bent on clinching a victory on his home turf. Memories of his last conquest in 2019 linger, and Lwakataka is hungry to recreate such moments.
Yet, predicting the victor for this round seems like a roll of the dice. The entry list boasts a slew of top-tier drivers, each with their eyes on the prize.
Yasin Nasser, currently leading the championship leaderboard, is on the cusp of sealing his champion status. A triumph in Masaka would be the feather in his cap.
Nasser is set to navigate the challenging terrains in a Subaru GVB, preserving his Ford Fiesta R5 for the imminent ARC round which changes the entire outlook of the rally.
Ronald Ssebuguzi, should be another formidable challenger for the rally victory. And he is optimistic about his Ford Fiesta Proto's prowess. A familiar face on the Masaka podium, Ssebuguzi is keen on rekindling his previous successes.
Meanwhile, the reigning champions, the duo of Byron Rugomoka and Hakim, are keen to bounce back after their unfortunate episode at the EMC Jinja rally.
Their quest for a victory this season has reached a fever pitch, and Masaka might just be their redemption arc.
The 2WD category is abuzz with anticipation. Ibrahim Lubega ‘Pasuwa’, is a podium finish away from being crowned champion of the category for the second time.
Oscar Ntambi, Lubega's fierce rival, has transitioned from the 2WD category with the introduction of his newly acquired Subaru N10 at the Garuga Sprint last month.
The CRC category is set to be a battlefield of young talents. Fresh from their victory at the Garuga sprint, the duo of Ali Muhammed and Anees Muhammed are bolstering their championship aspirations.
Joshua Muwanguzi, leading the standings, finds himself sandwiched between the ambitions of Kiyimba Godfrey and Ali Muhammed, with all vying for the coveted title in Masaka.
Adding to the mix is Ali Omar, ready to play the party spoiler and up the ante for Muwanguzi.
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