Ssegabwe & Kiyegga Dominate Day One as Title Fight Tightens at UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally
The fight for the 2025 National Rally Championship reached fever pitch on Day One of the UMOSPOC Kabalega Rally in Hoima, where Musa Ssegabwe and co-driver Mathias Kiyegga delivered a flawless performance to claim the overnight lead. Piloting their Mitsubishi Evo IX with remarkable confidence, the duo won two stages and placed consistently in the others, ending the day with an impressive total time of 41:54.04. Their calm yet aggressive driving has placed them in prime position heading into the decisive final day.
Rally leaders Musa Ssegabwe and Mathias Kiyega pushing their Mitsubishi Evo9 in the power stage (Photo by John Batanude)
In second place is the crew of Duncan Mubiru and Joseph Kamya in a Ford Fiesta Proto. Despite struggling with steering rack issues throughout the day, the pair showcased their trademark resilience, winning the opening stage and finishing second in Stages 2 and 3. They capped the day with a time of 42:17.47, keeping them well within striking distance of Ssegabwe. Mubiru has promised a spirited attack on Day Two as he aims for a strong finish to secure maximum points.
The podium is currently wrapped up by the crew of Umar Dauda and Steven Bunya in a Mitsubishi Evo X. The team had a smooth and trouble-free outing, clocking 43:39.62 and maintaining a comfortable position heading into the next four stages. In fourth place sits NRC leader Ronald Sebuguzi, co-driven by Anthony Mugambwa. The crew is opting for caution, fully aware that they are only four stages away from claiming the 2025 NRC championship. Although trailing the rally leader by 3:12.38, their strategy is clear drive safely and avoid costly errors. Completing the top five are Samuel Bwette and Mildred Kibuka, who ended the day with a time of 45:38.33.
In the 2WD category, the Toyota Corona crew of Edward Kirumira and Monica Birwinyo leads the pack with a total time of 49:52.74 after a steady and clean performance. They are followed by the championship-favored pair of Mansoor Lubega and Bukenya Kesh in a Toyota Corolla, who closed Day One with 50:14.95. In third place is the crew of Ibrahim Lubega and Robert Katabalwa in their Toyota Corolla FX, clocking 52:33.00. The top five in the category is rounded out by the crews of Hajji Amir Kavuma and Ismail Lule, who will be aiming for stronger finishes on Day Two.
Stabex Sponsored Edward Kirumira in the superspecial stage (Photo credit John Batanude)
The CRC class saw an impressive show from young talent Kevin Bebeto, co-driven by Mwambazi Lawrence in a Subaru Impreza N10. The pair displayed a commanding pace throughout the day and now hold a two-minute lead ahead of the second-placed crew of Ahmed Kateete and Morgan Serugga in a Subaru GC8. It was a tough outing for the crew of Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba, who retired just 5 km into the first stage, returned under Super Rally rules for the superspecial, only to drop out again. Their hopes of winning the CRC championship now depend heavily on Bebeto’s Day Two performance.
CRC leader Kevin Bebeto and Mwambazi Lawrence during the superspecial stage (Photo by JOhn Batanude)
Day One also claimed its share of casualties. The first to bow out were Isaac Sozzi and Nambasa Mariam, whose Subaru Impreza N12 suffered an engine failure just 2 km before the flying finish. Minutes later, the new Subaru GVB crew of Joshua Muwanguzi and Hamza Lwanga also saw their rally end prematurely after their engine knocked on the way to the superspecial stage during their debut outing.
The rally now heads to Kikube District for Day Two, where four stages await. The longest of these is the 22 km Kyamasuka stage, expected to greatly influence the final results. The 12.80 km Lugose stage will serve as the power stage, where additional championship points will be up for grabs. With the championship on the line and pressure mounting on the leading crews, the final day promises an electrifying climax to the 2025 NRC season.
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