The National Rally Championship (NRC) roars back into the Teso sub-region this week, not just as a competitive spectacle but as a pivotal moment in the 2026 title race.
The fourth round, scheduled for July 23–25 across Soroti and Katakwi districts, is poised to test the championship’s frontrunners on some of Eastern Uganda’s fastest and most unforgiving terrain.
Organised by the Eastern Motor Club (EMC) in conjunction with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the rally underscores a deliberate push to decentralise motorsport and extend its footprint across the country.
Crews will confront a demanding 289.02-kilometre route comprising 10 competitive stages, where outright pace must be balanced with technical precision and mechanical resilience.
Title fight intensifies on high-speed terrain
Championship leader Hassan Alwi, navigated by Musa Nsubuga, arrives in Teso with 177 points, carrying the advantage of consistency from the opening rounds.
However, the margin for error is rapidly shrinking.
Duncan Mubiru, second on 129 points, remains a formidable challenger, while Jonas Kansiime in third (93 points) continues to apply pressure in a tightening standings battle.
With the nature of Teso’s fast-flowing roads favouring commitment and clean driving lines, the rally could prove decisive in reshaping the leaderboard.
The event opens with four stages before transitioning into an evening Super Special Stage.
Day one is headlined by the 17.16km IUEA Stage, the longest test, contrasted by the shorter 10.65km Segamu 14 Stage.
The final leg in Katakwi District features repeated stages culminating in the decisive Power Stage.
Crews will particularly eye the 18.09km Steadfast Forwarders Stage—the rally’s longest on the closing day—before tackling the 13.60km MMC Stage in a high-stakes finale.
A calculated return after decades away
Beyond competition, the rally carries deep historical weight.
It marks the NRC’s first competitive return to Teso in 56 years, reviving memories of a tragic chapter in East African motorsport.
During the 1970 East African Safari Rally, Ugandan driver Major David Ndahura lost his life after his Ford Cortina GT was swept away by flash floods at the swollen Tiva Bridge.
His co-driver Jouis Agard survived, but Ndahura—then just 28—was carried away by the currents.
The incident unfolded in one of the world’s most brutal endurance rallies, where only 44 of 91 starters completed the 3,200-mile event.
That edition, part of the International Championship for Manufacturers (IMC), also witnessed the death of Japanese driver Eiichi Morinishi during reconnaissance near Nairobi.
FMU’s long road to readiness
The return to Teso has not been incidental. According to FMU General Secretary Reynolds Kibira, the federation undertook a two-year evaluation process before approving the region for championship competition.
Initial engagements began with an exhibition event in Soroti (2024), followed by expanded motorsport activities in Katakwi (2025), including rally cars and motorcycles.
These served as test runs to assess infrastructure, safety systems, and emergency response capacity.
The process aligned with the National Sports Act, 2023, which mandates nationwide reach for all recognised sports disciplines.
With improved medical access and manageable evacuation routes—particularly around Soroti—the region was ultimately cleared to host a full NRC round.
Championship standings (Top 10)
Hassan Alwi – 177 pts
Duncan Mubiru – 129
Jonas Kansiime – 93
Moses Lumala – 85
Umar Dauda – 82
Oscar Ntambi – 78
Randeep Singh – 77
Walter Kibande – 74
Yassin Nasser – 73
Julius Ssemambo – 71
