A Sneak Peek Into the 2025 National Rally Season
Part 1
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The 2024 Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC) season wrapped up just yesterday, December 26, with the Champions Sprint, a spectacle of speed that saw Omar Mayanja dominate the competition like a hot knife through butter. But before you even think about catching your breath, let me hit you with this: 2025 is just 28 days away and the rally scene is already hotter than a pot of Ugandan posho on a Sunday afternoon.
The 2025 season kicks off in Mbarara with what is being called the Lumala @60, Mum @90 Birthday Mbarara Rally. Sounds like a party, right? Well, buckle up, because it’s about to get wild. The 2025 season is ready to blow up . Let’s take a moment to chat about what’s coming your way, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
First up, the man of the hour: Moses Lumala. After some time off probably hanging out, sipping some fine Ugandan tea, and contemplating life Lumala is coming back into action. And he’s not just bringing a regular car; no, no. He’s rolling in with a brand new Ford Fiesta NRC Evo, which he snagged from Neiksans Rally Sport in Latvia. It’s like getting a brand new pair of shoes except these shoes go 200 km/h and don’t have a single scuff mark. The car’s expected to land in Uganda early January, and let me tell you, it’s going to be hotter than a local roadside chicken joint when it makes its debut in Mbarara. Lumala’s fans, it’s time to renew those subscriptions to the team because this man is back, and he’s not here to make friends.
Next on the list is Duncan Mubiru, aka Kikankane. His Ford Fiesta has been getting a full makeover in Latvia, and guess what? It’s coming back to Uganda hotter than a fresh * Rolex* on a Sunday morning. Duncan’s been out of action for a year (probably binge-watching rally on happasport ), and now he’s ready to show the younger drivers that experience still trumps youth, especially when you’ve got a car that sounds like a roaring lion on steroids. Duncan, we’ve missed you, and trust me, it’s about to get lit in 2025.
Now let’s talk about Yassin Nasser, who’s been slowly dipping his toes into the rally pool with his Ford Fiesta R5 after some time off. He’s back with his trusty co-driver Ali Katumba, and their bond is tighter than a tight pair of jeans after a huge meal. Yassin has his eyes on the prize this year NRC and ARC championships, so get ready for a show. Think of it like your auntie’s Nyama Choma it’s coming in hot, spicy, and full of flavor. Yassin’s been shaking off the rust in events like the Gwanga Mujje Sprint and Rwanda’s Mt. Gorilla Rally. He’s ready to go, and you better believe, fans, Yassin is back!
Next up, we have Didas Matsiko, who’s taking it up a notch in 2025. The Subaru WRX has served him well, but now he’s jumping straight into the Subaru Impreza GVB, which is like going from riding a bike to driving a Ferrari well, at least in terms of rally power. This car is beastly, and Didas is aiming to show the big boys that he’s not just here for the local pasta; he’s in it for the national lasagna. With Mbarara hosting the season opener, Didas might just make his hometown proud. “Mwe mulide empanga!” (For all you locals, that means, “Get ready, folks!”).
In other news, Haruna Kataza is stepping up to the big leagues this year. After his promotion to Division 2, he’s decided to upgrade from his trusty Subaru Impreza N8 to the mighty Subaru Impreza N14. Kataza is basically saying, “If you’re not going big, what’s the point?” With this upgrade, Division 2 better prepare themselves Kataza is not here for tea and biscuits; he’s here for the whole cake.
And speaking of surprises, Hassan Alwi Jr. has been on a break since the Pearl of Africa Rally, but don’t think he’s been napping. He’s been quietly working on his Subaru Impreza N14, but something’s not quite right… because he’s not bringing that exact car back. Alwi has something else up his sleeve a surprise that’s going to make us all say, “Wait, what just happened?” Sorry, no spoilers, but trust me, the surprise is going to be bigger than the moment you find out your grandma can actually moonwalk.
Now, Ponsiano Lwakataka and John Costa took some time off after the Pearl of Africa Rally probably to eat some Viga Luwombo and beef kebabs but now they’re back. Lwakataka’s been chilling, resetting, and working on his car like a chef perfecting his secret recipe. Costa has also been rebuilding his machine, and he’s coming back stronger than a local boda boda on a mission. Get ready for an epic return from these two seasoned pros.
And if you thought the rally season couldn’t get crazier, guess what? There’s another Hyundai i20 coming to Uganda. Yes, you heard me correctly another one. When it lands, it’s going to make a bigger impact than that time your uncle accidentally spilled beer all over your new white shoes at the family BBQ. Brace yourselves, people, 2025 is going to be a fiery one.
Joshua Muwanguzi, the Omoro Lion, is switching things up in 2025. After saying goodbye to his Subaru Impreza N12 (possibly with a tear in his eye), he’s upgrading to the Mitsubishi EvoX. This is like going from a vintage record to high-definition sound. And with his crazy co-driver Hamza Lwanga alongside him, this duo is going to rock the rally world in 2025 like a pair of ugly Christmas sweaters at a New Year’s party. Hold on to your seats Muwanguzi and Lwanga are coming for the crown!
Lastly, Musa Ssegaabwe has officially been promoted to Division 2, and fans, this man is on fire like your Auntie’s pepper soup after a long day. He’s been dominating the CRC circuit this year, and now he’s ready to bring that same heat to the NRC. Though he’s sticking with his Mitsubishi Evo9, he’s sure to cause a serious uproar. Get your green Segamu 14 t-shirts ready 2025 is going to be his year.
The 2WD category is looking spicy, with Julius Semambo recently dethroning Ibrahim Lubega in the Champions Sprint. Now, Mansoor Lubega has joined the fight, bringing in his new Toyota Corolla. This three-way battle will be hotter than jaja’s spicy samosa, and fans will be treated to an exciting showdown all season long.
The 2025 National Rally Championship is set to be the most thrilling, dramatic, and downright entertaining season yet. With familiar faces, rising stars, surprise entrants, and upgraded machines, there’s no telling what will happen next. But one thing’s for sure: You better get your rally gear ready, because it’s going to be a wild ride.
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