Rwanda’s Adolphe Nshimiyimana to Test His Mettle Against Ugandan Competition

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By Mwambazi Lawrence

Rwanda’s Adolphe Nshimiyimana, popularly known as Daddy, is gearing up to take on Uganda’s finest drivers in the highly anticipated Lumala @60 Mum @90 Birthday Rally, set to take place from January 24th to 26th in Mbarara. The event marks the opening round of the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC).

Nshimiyimana, alongside his co-driver Regis Karingirwa, will be the sole foreign entry in the rally. The duo will compete in a Subaru Impreza N10, which Nshimiyimana acquired last year after parting ways with his Toyota Celica GT4. With a rallying career that began in 2019 in the Rwanda National Championship, Nshimiyimana is no stranger to the sport and is eager to test his skills against Uganda’s top competitors.

According to the team’s manager, Kevin Mujiji, the Rwandan crew is expected to arrive in Mbarara on Tuesday evening to finalize preparations ahead of the weekend showdown. “We are excited to compete in Uganda and look forward to a challenging and action-packed event,” Mujiji stated.

The Lumala @60 Mum @90 Rally has already attracted a strong field of 43 crews, including several prominent names in the Ugandan rallying scene. Leading the pack is the reigning 2023 National Rally Champion Yasin Nasser, who will pilot his Ford Fiesta R5. Duncan Mubiru, making his comeback after a year-long hiatus, is also among the entries.

Other notable competitors include Mike Mukula Jr., who will team up with new co-driver Siraj Kyambade in a Subaru Impreza N14, and 2024 NRC first runner-up Ronald Ssebuguzi. Ponsiano Lwakataka, known for his aggressive driving style, will take on the competition in his Subaru Impreza N12B, famously nicknamed “Musota.”

This season opener normally provides a crucial opportunity for drivers to shake off the rust from the previous season and find their rhythm for the challenges ahead. With a roster packed with talent, the rally promises an intense battle for supremacy.

Organized by MPU, the rally will cover a total distance of 295.16 kilometers, of which 140.64 kilometers are competitive stages, while the remaining 154.52 kilometers are liaison sections. The rally features seven gravel stages designed to test both driver skill and vehicle durability.

The event will kick off on Friday with a 14.32-kilometer stage from Biharwe to Kanyaryeru, followed by a double-circuit super special stage at Mwesigwa Resort. Saturday’s action will include five stages, with the highlight being the 30.62-kilometer Lumala stage, which will be tackled twice. The shortest stage of the rally, the 14.32-kilometer power stage, will close the event on Saturday.

Mbarara is already full with anticipation as it prepares to host some of the region’s best rally talents. The Lumala @60 Mum @90 Rally is set to further cement the city’s reputation as a motorsport hotspot, offering fans thrilling competition and unpredictable outcomes.

As Nshimiyimana and Karingirwa join the fray,  eyes will be on their Subaru Impreza N10 to see how it measures up against Uganda’s established rallying stars. Motorsport enthusiasts can expect high-octane action, dramatic turns, and unforgettable moments as the 2025 rally season kicks off in style.

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