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The season opener is perhaps the most unpredictable rally of the year, as fast and winding roads quickly change into narrow, technical sections complicated by the drastically changing weather.
The curtains will be raised on the 2023 National Rally Championship season as the famous Mbarara rally opens what is set to be another exhilarating campaign.
The Mbarara rally like tradition opens a gruelling seven round rallying season.
The season opener is perhaps the most unpredictable rally of the year, as fast and winding roads quickly change into narrow, technical sections complicated by the drastically changing weather.
For Byron Rugomoka, his year begins in absolutely unfamiliar circumstances, as he tries to defend his national title, following a season that was short of a fairy tale for him.
The task to defend the crown is surely daunting since no one has won back to back titles since Jas Mangat did so in 2013 to join an exclusive elite group of back to back winners.
A class inclusive of legends like Charlie Lubega (2000, 2001, 2002), Sam Ssali (1989, 1990, 1991,1992), Karim Hirji (1993, 1994,1995), Jimmy Dean (1987, 1988) and Emma Kato (1996, 1997).
Rugomoka is cognizant of the fact that retaining the title may be a bit over ambitious of him, insisting that he is not under immediate pressure to make any impressions.
Rugomoka will lead a total of 38 crews to the starting line as they attempt to conquer obstacles across 134 kilometres of competitive distance over two days of action.
Hot favourite Mangat, a three-time national champion, returns to the NRC for the first time since failing to finish the Masaka rally in August 2022.
He has won thrice in Mbarara before, including a dramatic, event filled low key victory the last time he raced in Mbarara in 2019.
2019 national champion Yasin Nasser will be another head turner specifically with his Ford Fiesta R5, but the Ford Protos of Ronald Ssebuguzi and Duncan Mubiru will be hot on his heels.
The two-wheel (2WD) drive support category is set for arguably its most competitive season with the field now populated with incredible potential.
Fred Busuulwa Kitaka has moved into the category, four-time 2WD champion Ismail Ortega also returns after a long sabbatical, with defending champion Oscar Ntambi choosing not to take part in the rally.
The action will kick off on Saturday morning when, following a ceremonial start at Mwesigwa Resort, crews will tackle two stages that cover just over 46 kilometres instead of 65 kilometres after a slight change to the itinerary before retreating to Mbarara’s Lake View hotel for overnight perc-ferme.
The Rukaari section has been chalked off due to safety concerns in the stage and will be replaced by X-Effects (25.21 kilometres) as the first stage of the rally.
Crews will then tackle the 15.53 kilometres Bam Petroleum which shall also run in reverse from last year, before service and then head to the super special stage around the Mbarara Golf Course.
Sunday’s finale serves up more fast paced action with four stages totalling 69.08 kilometres. X Effects of Rutakirwa opens the action.
Another run through Bam Petroleum precedes a return to service for the crews before they tackle the final leg of the rally that runs through Bishop Jungu Kainobwisho (9.31 km) and Isingiro (19.30 km).
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