Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally Officially Launched at Panamera
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The 6th round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), dubbed the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally, was officially launched at Somewhere Else Naguru. The rally, organized by the Central Motor Club (CMC), is set for 10th–11th October in Gulu District just in time to crash the Gulu City Carnival. And yes, when you mix fast cars and carnival vibes, expect Gulu to vibrate.
This edition is more than just about speed. It’s dedicated to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, a promising rally driver whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident. Drivers will be racing not only for points but also in his memory, which adds both pride and pressure to the weekend.
The event will cover a total of 260.88 kilometers, with 132.63 km of competitive stages spread across eight stages. The rest 128.25 km liaison is basically the rally version of “Are we there yet?” But as every co-driver knows, even liaison can feel like a rally stage when the driver refuses to listen.
On the NRC leaderboard, Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa are hanging onto the top spot by the skin of their teeth. Right behind them, Ponsiano Lwakataka and Paul Musazi are breathing heavily and by heavily we mean already pocketed four wins out of five rallies this season. That’s like Arsenal leading the league in February; fans are just waiting to see if they’ll bottle it in May. Meanwhile, Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyega are lurking in third, proving that consistency can also pay rent.
In the 2WD championship, the fight is tight. Julius Semambo and Jaffer Lukenge are leading but by only 1.5 points. Behind them, Mansoor Lubega and Ronald Bukenya are polishing their helmets, ready to snatch top spot. Amir and Kenneth Kavuma are also hanging in there, proving that in 2WD, one puncture can turn a leader into a storyteller.
The CRC category is just as dramatic. Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba are looking comfortable in first, but if rally has taught us anything, it’s that “comfortable” is the fastest way to park by the roadside. Ahmed Katete and Morgan Serugga have been impressively consistent like that one boda guy who always delivers on time. And then there’s Kevin Bebeto and Siraj Kyambade, young, hungry, and only one mistake away from climbing right back into contention.
Clerk of the Course Enoch Olinga calmed the nerves with a promise of smooth routes and strict safety measures:
“The stages are smooth and safety has been prioritized. We want everyone drivers, fans to enjoy a safe rally.”
So here we are: Gulu City Carnival, fast cars, rivalries and a memorial rally for Rajiv Ruparelia. The NRC title fight is as unpredictable and one thing is guaranteed whether you come for the carnival or the rally, you’ll leave with dust in your teeth and stories to tell.
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