Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga Clinch 2024 Uganda National Rally Championship
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The 2024 National Rally Championship (NRC) came to a conclusion with Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga clinching the title in spectacular fashion during the Kabalega Hoima Rally. Driving their Hyundai i20 R5, the duo delivered a dominant performance, winning eight out of the nine stages and clocking an impressive overall time of 1:19:09. This victory secured Mangat’s fourth NRC title, adding to his previous championships in 2012, 2013, and 2016.
Unlike the Gulu Independence Rally, where mechanical issues plagued their run, Mangat and Olinga enjoyed a flawless rally in Hoima. However, the victory did not come without its challenges. Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa, in their Ford Fiesta Proto, kept the pressure on, finishing second with a time of 1:26:05. Meanwhile, Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and Geoffrey Serwoga proved their consistency piloting their Mitsubishi Evo 9 to a well-earned third place with a time of 1:30:22.“It’s been a long journey, and I’m glad we made it here,” said Mukasa,
The NRC Podium with Jas Mangat as the ovaral winner (C), Ronald Sebuguzi in 2nd (L) and Dr Moustapha Mukasa 3rd (R)
Mangat’s journey to the championship was proof to his determination and strategic choices. Opting to focus entirely on the NRC, Mangat imported a state-of-the-art Hyundai i20 R5 and enlisted the expertise of WRC driver Gregoire Munster to help him master the new machine. This meticulous preparation bore fruit, with Mangat demonstrating his intent to dominate right from the start of the season.
The Kabalega Hoima Rally also showcased stellar performances from other competitors. Joshua Muwanguzi and Hamza Lwanga overcame early setbacks to secure fourth place in their Subaru Impreza N12. The young Omar brothers, driving a Mitsubishi Evo 4, impressed many by finishing fifth overall, signaling a promising future for Ugandan motorsport.
In the 2WD category, Julius Semambo and his co-driver Diana Nagawa emerged victorious in their Toyota Sprinter, posting a time of 1:46:55. They edged out Ibrahim Lubega and Kenth Kavuma, while Edward Kirumira and Zubedah Ali completed the 2WD podium.
The 2wd podium with Julious Semambo (C) as the winner, Ibrahim Lubega (L) 2nd and Edward Kirumira (R)3rd
The CRC category saw Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyega dominate in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 with a time of 1:06:57. Their strong showing, including two second-place stage finishes, sets the stage for an exciting Division 2 campaign next year.
Kabalega Hoima Rally 2024 ovarall Results
1.Jas Mangatl Enoch Olinga –Hyundai i20 -1:19:09
2.Ronald Sebuguzi/ Anthony Mugambwa – Ford fiesta Proto – 1:26:05
3.Dr Moustapha Mukasal Geofrey Serwoga- Mitsubishi Evo9- 1:30:22
4.Joshua Muwanguzi/ Hamza Lwanga- Subaru N12- 1:32:23
5.Ali Omar/ Wazir Omar- Mitsubishi Evo4 -1:40:20
6.Julious Semambo/ Diana Nagawa Toyota Sprinter – 1:46:55
7.Ibrahim Lubega/ Keneth Kavuma Toyota Fx- 1:47:18
8.Rashid Makumbi/ Ronald Bukenya – Mitsubishi EvoX- 1:50:01
9.Edward Kirumira/ Zubedah Abdallah- Toyota Corolla – 1:50:37
10..Faizal Kayira/ Prosperus Namara – Subaru GC8- 2:01:18
11.Nasser Mutebi/ Steven Bunya- Mitsubishi Evo9- 2:01:29
12.Didas Matsiko/ Joseph Bongole – Subaru wrx- 2:05:31
13.Salim Gasemba/ Jaffar Luken- Toyota Vitz -2:39:04
2WD Results( podium)
1.Julious Semambo/ Diana Nagawa – Toyota Sprinter– 1:46:55
2. Ibrahim Lubega/ Keneth Kavuma- Toyota Fx- 1:47:18
3. .Edward Kirumira/ Zubedah Abdallah- Toyota Corolla- 1:50:37
CRC Results (Podium)
1.Musa Ssegaabwe/ Mathias Kiyega – Mitsubishi Evo9- 1:06:57
2.Haruna Kataza/ Isaac Lumu- Subaru Impreza N8- 1:08:23
3.Ahmed Senyonjo/ Sharif Muyanja- Toyota Corolla- 1:25:37
The 2024 NRC season was one for the books, filled with fierce competition, comebacks, and moments of brilliance. Jas Mangat’s return to the pinnacle of Ugandan motorsport exemplified resilience and meticulous planning. Ronald Sebuguzi proved his tenacity despite challenges, while Dr. Moustapha Mukasa’s consistency underlined his growth as a formidable competitor. Emerging talents like the Omar brothers and standout CRC performances suggest a bright future for the sport.
Eastern Motor Club extends heartfelt gratitude to all competitors, fans, and sponsors who made this season memorable. As the engines cool and the dust settles, we celebrate not just the champions but the spirit of rallying that unites us all. Here’s to an even more exciting 2025 season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Eastern Motor Club!
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