Kampala, Uganda — The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) has officially flagged off Team Uganda ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, in a ceremony held at Lugogo under the auspices of the National Council of Sports (NCS).
In a symbolic gesture marking Uganda’s entry onto one of the most iconic and demanding events on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, the national flag was handed to leading driver Duncan Mubiru, popularly known as “Kikankane,” by NCS Assistant General Secretary (Technical) Milton Chebet.
The Safari Rally remains a formidable test of endurance, precision and resilience, attracting elite competitors from across the globe.
Uganda’s ARC Contenders
Uganda will field four competitive crews in the African Rally Championship (ARC) category within the Safari Rally, where they will battle for vital continental points against some of Africa’s finest rally drivers.
The Ugandan crews are:
Yasin Nasser / Ali Katumba – 2025 African Rally Champions – Ford Fiesta Rally2
Duncan Mubiru / Joseph Kamya – Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ARC 2)
Oscar Ntambi / Asuman Muhammadi – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X (ARC 2)
Timothy Gawaya / Francis Wamala – SEAT Ibiza
The Safari Rally provides a critical championship platform, and the Ugandan drivers will be seeking maximum ARC points as they navigate Kenya’s punishing terrain.
FMU has committed a support package of UGX 40 million toward travel, accommodation and logistical preparations, underscoring its mandate to facilitate Ugandan participation at elite international competition.
Building Capacity Through Officiating
Beyond competition, FMU is advancing its long-term development strategy by embedding Ugandan officials within the event’s organizational structure.
A team of local motorsport administrators will officiate at the rally, understudying seasoned FIA-accredited WRC officials.
Their deployment reflects Uganda’s growing technical credibility within the region and reinforces FMU’s commitment to structured capacity building and East African collaboration.
The appointed officials and their respective roles are:
Enock Olinga – Deputy Clerk of Course
Alfred Mutanda – Assistant Clerk of Course
Moses Seguya – Scrutineer
Nanette P. Blick – Special Safety Stage Officer
Nivece Kizito Nakiyaga – Assistant Special Stage Commander
Monica Birwinyo – Assistant Special Stage Commander
Jackson Serwanga – Deputy Special Stage Commander
Namatovu Hellen – Assistant Special Stage Commander
Mutatwala Christopher – Assistant Special Stage Officer
Namukasa Lilian – Assistant Special Stage Officer
Joe Burua – Deputy Special Stage Commander
Sembuya Jeremiah – Assistant Special Stage Safety Officer
Kazibwe Ivan – Assistant Special Stage Safety Officer
Jamil L. Mucakaze – Safety Convoy Trainee
The experience and technical knowledge gained from officiating at a World Rally Championship round will be directly applied to domestic rally organization.
FMU intends to leverage this exposure to strengthen standards within the National Rally Championship and enhance safety and operational delivery at Uganda’s upcoming ARC round — the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.
By embedding officials in high-level international competition, the federation is deliberately cultivating institutional knowledge to elevate rally management, safety protocols and overall event execution standards nationwide.
Government and Corporate Backing
FMU expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda, through the National Council of Sports, for continued financial and institutional support that enables Ugandan athletes and officials to compete and serve on the international stage.
The federation also acknowledged the contribution of corporate partners, including KCB Bank Uganda, MOIL Uganda, Betika and Vivo Energy Uganda.
Their backing strengthens the National Championship and directly empowers individual rally crews.
