Inside the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The sixth round of the Uganda National Rally Championship (NRC), the CMC Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Rally 2025, is set to take place this weekend in Gulu District. The event is expected to play a decisive role in determining the champions across all categories NRC, 2WD, and CRC as the season draws closer to its conclusion.
With five rounds already chewed up and just two left on the rally buffet,, the championship battle remains tight. Ronald Sebuguzi and his navigator Anthony Mugambwa currently sit on top of the NRC table with 241 points, not because they’ve been the fastest, but because they’ve mastered the noble art of staying out of trouble. While others were busy testing the strength of guardrails, Sebuguzi was busy collecting points. He hasn’t won a single rally this season, but his consistency has been so impressive because no matter the chaos, dust, or drama, he somehow sneaks through, smiling and still counting points.
Right behind him is the crowd’s favorite daredevil, Ponsiano Lwakataka the man who treats every stage like it owes him money! With four wins out of five events, he’s basically been driving like the championship trophy already has his name engraved on it. Sitting on 235 points, Lwakataka and his co-driver Paul Musazi are heading to Gulu for the very first time, Fans know that when the “Mafu Mafu Express” shows up, there’s no such thing as taking it easy only full throttle and dust clouds big enough to make meteorologists panic. If he keeps this up, Sebuguzi’s calculator might just overheat trying to keep the lead!
In third place sits the energetic young crew of Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyegga, racking up 207.5 points and proving that youth really does have its perks mainly fewer gray hairs and faster reflexes! Competing in their debut NRC season after taking last year’s CRC title like it was a warm-up trophy, the pair have impressed fans with their knack for finishing rallies without turning every corner into a rollercoaster ride. Rumor has it they’re already scheming for 2026, ready to unleash a shiny new N5-spec car that might just have their competitors checking their rear-view mirrors a little more often… and possibly clutching their helmets a little tighter.
Further down the leaderboard, Aine Sodo sits fourth with 140.5 points, Duncan Mubiru is fifth with 138, and Michael Mukula rounds out the top six with 131 points though Mukula’s fans will have to keep their vuvuzelas on standby since he’s sitting this round out. But knowing Mukula, he’s probably somewhere tuning the car and promising to come back “with vengeance
This year, the rally breaks tradition by running on Friday and Saturday, giving everyone a head start to warm up their The change is in sync with the Gulu City Carnival, where the rally promises to be the weekend’s dustiest and loudest highlight. Most stages will follow the 2024 routes, with a few tweaks to keep drivers guessing and spectators cheering..
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The 2WD Championship is shaping up to be a nail-biter this year, with just 1.5 points separating the top two crews basically close enough to settle with a coin toss, if rally rules allowed it! Julious Semambo and Jaffer Lukenge currently lead the class with 86.5 points, but hot on their heels are Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Roald with 85 points, ready to snatch every corner and pebble in Gulu like pros on a scavenger hunt. Both crews enter the weekend laser-focused on victory, knowing that a single slip could mean losing the crown before dessert.
Third place belongs to Haji Amir Kavuma (65.5 points), followed by Edward Kirumira (60.5), Ibrahim Lubega (52.5), and Haji Senyonjo (33). Fans will be watching closely as last year’s 2WD champion Ibrahim Lubega attempts a comeback after a season that tested his patience. If he finds his rhythm, expect sparks, screeching tires, and possibly a few screams from co-drivers trying to negotiate physics in real time.
The Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) continues to showcase emerging talent. Leading the standings is Walter Kibande alongside Rasta Farian codriver Duncan Katumba, with 75 points. The pair have displayed remarkable consistency, maintaining their position at the top since the season began.
In second place are Ahmed Kateete and Morgan Serugga (60 points), followed by Kevin Bebeeto and Siraj Kyambade (57). Bebeeto remains optimistic about closing the gap, proving that hope can be as stubborn as a rally car stuck in mud. The CRC title race is still wide open, and the Gulu round will be key in shaping the final standings assuming no one confuses a water crossing with a swimming pool.
A total of 27 crews have confirmed entries, featuring both championship contenders and strong independent competitors. Among them, Duncan Mubiru, Omar Dauda, and Oscar Ntambi are expected to add spice to the mix, meaning fans are in for a rollercoaster ride with more twists than a pretzel factory.
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