By Mwambazi Lawrence

Mbarara is bracing for showdown as the Lumala @60 Mum @90 Birthday Rally speeds toward us. Scheduled from 24th to 26th January 2025, this event is not just the opening act of the rally season but also the first of two blockbuster events this year, setting the stage for the iconic Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2025 in May.

As we speak, mechanics are working overtime in garages. Sparks are flying, wrenches are turning, and somewhere, a driver is yelling, “Are you sure this turbo will hold?” just few days left, the pressure is on, and you can almost hear the rally gods laughing in anticipation.

Last season, Jas Mangat made rallying look like a walk in the park or rather, a drive in the countryside making his competition feel as if they were doing a walk to work demonstration . His Hyundai i20 seemed untouchable, with Mangat grabbing victory after victory. But this isn’t going to be another coronation. Oh no, Its not going to be a one-man show anymore. Every driver with a pulse and a working gearbox is coming for him.

The flying Jas mangat takes the curves during the Mbarara rally 2024

First on the list of challengers is Yasin Nasser, the 2023 national champion, who’s bringing his trusted Ford Fiesta R5 (Nemo). If Nemo could talk, it’d probably say, “Enough talk, let’s race!”.” Then there’s Duncan Mubiru, aka Kikankane, who’s returning with a rebuilt Ford Fiesta Proto. After a year out, Duncan is like a lion who’s been locked in a cage for too long hungry, aggressive, and ready to roar. Expect fireworks when he hits the stages.

But wait, there’s more! The birthday boy himself, Moses Lumala, is rolling back the years with a new Ford Fiesta NRC Proto. Imagine the scene: Lumala, a rally legend, racing alongside the new generation, showing off skills from a time when rally cars didn’t have antlags but had guts. Will it be a masterclass or a midlife crisis? Either way, it’s going to be entertaining.

Champions circles , Moses Lumala (L) poses for a photo with Charlie Lubega back in the day.

Ponsiano Lwakataka, is rolling in with his “manyi ga Bantu “ Subaru N12. It might be a bit long in the tooth, but in Lwakataka’s hands, it’s still a weapon. And then there’s John Consta, who’s armed with a Ford Fiesta Proto and a mission to set the stages on fire. Literally, if his exhaust system has anything to say about it.

Not to forget Ronald Sebuguzi, who’s still trying to tame his Ford Fiesta Proto. Rumor has it his car has more buttons than a spaceship, and if he ever figures out what they all do, the competition might as well pack up and go home.

Controlled Cheos , Ronald Sebuguzi pushing his Ford Fiesta Proto during one of the NRC events last year.

Then the middle pack  where the real drama happens drivers who aren’t afraid to push their cars (or luck) to the absolute limit. Dr. Moustapha Mukasa, the silent assassin of the rally world, had everyone talking last season with his smooth and calculated driving style. Some say he even uses surgical precision on the track, which makes sense for a doctor.

Then there’s Musa Ssegabwe, the man who has just risen from CRC to Division 1. After getting the green light to compete 100% in every rally, you can almost hear him saying, “Big boys, make room I’m coming through!” If Musa keeps up this pace, he might start making the seasoned drivers look like they’re using handbrakes as accelerators.

And who can forget Didas Matsiko, Mbarara’s hometown hero? He knows these routes like the back of his hand ,Driving a Subaru GVB, Didas will have home support screaming his name, and you’d better believe he’s planning to deliver.

Didas Matsiko in full drift mode leaving spectators in awe during the previous mbarara rally

Peter Kalule is another wildcard, piloting his Subaru XV with a blend of unpredictability and daring. He’s the guy who might be lagging one minute and setting good stage times the next. Meanwhile, Isaac Ssozi, upgrading from a Subaru N8 to an N12, has unfinished business on the track and might just shock some big names.

In the 2WD category, it’s a full-blown civil war. Ibrahim Lubega, the undisputed king, is facing serious challenges from Julious Semambo, who recently bested him at the Champion’s Sprint. Semambo isn’t just knocking on the door he’s kicking it down. But Lubega isn’t one to back down; he’s ready to remind everyone why he’s been at the top for so long. Meanwhile, Edward Kirumira is lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce. He’s not here to make friends; he’s here to make history. The 2WD category is shaping up to be a three-way dogfight, and the sparks are going to fly.

Ibrahim Lubega the unstoppable 2wd champion behind the wheel of his Toyota fx

The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) is where the future stars of rallying are born .With Musa Ssegabwe promoted to Division 1, the CRC is now a free-for-all. Kevin Bebeto, armed with a Subaru Impreza N10, is stepping up from autocross and ready to prove he can handle the long stages. His rival, Robert Kiggundu (Nkima), is equally determined to make a statement. These two are like fire and gasoline put them together, and you’ve got an explosion waiting to happen. Walter Kibande, with his Subaru GC8 and dreadlocked navigator, is bringing some serious Rastafari vibes to the rally. But don’t let the laid-back demeanor fool you when the green light goes off, they’re all business.

Rising star kevin Bebeto drifts into the spotlight at the champions sprint proving his talent.

And then there’s Assimwe Doreen, the lone female driver in a Toyota FX. She’s carrying the hopes of all the ladies and is ready to show the boys a thing or two. Whether she can deliver is the big question, but one thing’s for sure: she’s got the spirit of a lioness.She’s carrying the hopes of every aspiring female driver, and you can bet she’ll give the lads a run for their money or their fuel..

Making history and paving the way for more women in motorsport Doreen Asiimwe gears up for the CRC

With legends, rising stars, and fearless underdogs ready to battle it out, this rally will be anything but ordinary. So, mark your calendars, grab your rally flags, and get ready for a weekend of action.

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