Hassan Alwi Jr Sets Early Championship Tone with Mbale Masterclass

By Mwambazi Lawrence

The curtains have finally fallen on the opening round of the KCB National Rally Championship, and if you’re still asking who won, my friend… you were probably still waving at the dust cloud somewhere in Budaka, hoping it would wave back! Hassan Alwi Jr, co-driven by Musa Nsubuga, didn’t just win this rally… they politely escorted it home like it was visiting for tea. Driving their Ford Fiesta Proto, the duo mixed experience, speed, and just the right amount of “pedal to the floor, who needs brakes anyway?” energy to turn the competition into what looked like a casual Sunday drive if your Sunday drive included dodging potholes the size of small lakes.

Winning six out of seven stages, Alwi Jr made it look less like a rally and more like a personal fitness challenge for everyone else. By the time other crews were still untangling their pace notes, he was already three corners ahead, probably waving at them like “Hello from the future!” and eventually finished a monstrous 3 minutes and 28 seconds clear. In rally terms, that’s not a gap… that’s a whole other district!

Coming in second was the returning Moses Lumala and Cedric Buzabo, also in a Ford Fiesta Proto and honestly, this was not just “old is gold,” this was “old is turbo, anti-lag, and fully serviced!” Lumala reminded everyone that rally skill doesn’t expire it just goes into storage like a spare tyre and comes back when you need it most. After the first two stages, though, his body had already called an emergency meeting, asking serious questions like, “Boss, are we doing this again?” At one point, it seemed like he might park the car, remove the helmet, and start discussing retirement packages and pension plans. But just when things were getting emotional, his coach Maris Neiksan stepped in like a pit crew for the soul no spanners, just motivation and told him to stop behaving like a road car and switch back to rally mode. From there, Lumala said “enough is enough,” pressed the throttle, and reminded the young boys that experience doesn’t just sit in the co-driver’s seat it drives the whole car! The result? A podium finish that shocked many, silenced doubters, and left a few young drivers wondering whether they need to borrow some “old software updates” themselves.

Then came the surprise package Stefano Verali and Robert Katabalwa in a Mitsubishi Evo X. First time pairing, no introductions, no “getting to know each other”… these guys skipped the greetings and went straight to causing problems! No warm-up, no stretching just helmets on and vibes of “let’s see who we can upset today.” They arrived like uninvited guests at a wedding and still found themselves in the front row… eating all the food and asking for takeaway!

From the very first stage, they were already knocking on the door of the big boys like, “Hello, is this where the podium is kept?” And before anyone could respond, boom they were already there. Finishing third, they showed raw speed, confidence, and just enough madness to keep everyone uncomfortable. Their performance sent a loud and clear message across the paddock: “We are not here to participate… we are here to disturb people, shake tables, and if possible, carry the chairs too!”

KCB-sponsored Oscar Ntambi and Pius Lugya secured fourth place with a steady and composed drive no drama, no unnecessary heroics, just clean lines and pure “let’s bring this car home in one piece” energy. While others were out there wrestling with the stages these guys chose peace… and it paid off!

Hot on their heels, Nasser Mutebi and Emanuel Mugulusi wrapped up the top five, also keeping things neat and tidy. No shouting, no panic, just smooth driving like they had already agreed, “We are not here for stress, we are here for results.” Because in rally, sometimes it’s not about being the fastest it’s about surviving the madness, avoiding those surprise potholes that appear like government promises, and making sure all four wheels, plus your dignity, cross the finish line together.

In the 2WD category, things were just as spicy. Mansoor Lubega and Kenneth Kavuma in their Toyota Corolla fought like men protecting their last plate of Rolex at midnight. They emerged victorious with a time of 1:29:48, holding off a determined challenge from Julius Semambo and Jaffer Lukenge in a Toyota Sprinter, who missed out by just a minute. That’s basically one small mistake or one cow crossing the road at the wrong time! Odeon Tumwebaze and Hussein Mukuye completed the podium in their Toyota Altezza, making a strong NRC debut after upgrading from CRC. Talk about leveling up!

The CRC class may have had fewer cars, but the drama was still fully charged. Sande Mubiru and Hassan Kateregga took top honors in their Toyota FX, beating Doreen Asiimwe who soldiered on to secure second place. Sometimes in rally, just reaching the finish line feels like winning a championship of its own.

Among the standout performers, Haruna Kataza and David Mwesigwa in a Subaru Impreza N8 were on a mission. At one point, they even posted the second-fastest time on Stage 3 yes, SECOND! That’s the kind of performance that makes the big boys start checking their mirrors twice.

Youngster Kevin Bebeto, co-driven by Lawrence Mwambazi in a Mitsubishi Evo 9, showed serious promise on debut. The speed was there, the confidence was there… but unfortunately, the gear selector had other plans. Still, the potential is loud and clear this is one crew that won’t stay quiet for long.

And then, just when the story seemed destined for glory, the script turned cruel, sudden, and unforgiving. Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias Kiyegga had risen like a storm, their Skoda Fabia RS N5 slicing through the stages with a confidence that stirred the hearts of those watching. It felt inevitable, almost written in the stars… until, in a single, shattering moment, it was not. Disqualified. Just like that. From the roar of admiration to the hush of disbelief. Such is the ruthless poetry of rallyingwhere triumph and heartbreak share the same breath. And yet, even in that fall, there was a message, loud and unshaken… they will return, and when they do, it will not be quietly.”

With the MPU Mbale Rally now done and dusted (literally), all eyes turn to the prestigious Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026 scheduled for may in Mbarara and Kiruhura . This one is not just any rally it’s Round 2 of the KCB NRC and also part of the African Rally Championship. Big guns are already warming up engines across East Africa. Kenya is coming in numbers, Rwanda is preparing seriously, and Tanzania’s Ahmed Huweil is also joining the party.

With eight rounds lined up this season, the championship is wide open and if this first round is anything to go by, we are in for a season full of speed, breakdowns, miracles, and mechanics working overtime like it’s harvest season. Buckle up the season is  just getting started!

STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 1.

NATIONAL (Top 3)

1.Hassan Alwi Jr =35points

2.Moses Lumala =27points

3.Stefano Velari =23points

2WD (Top3)

1.Mansoor Lubega=30points

2.Julious Semambo=24points

3.Odeon Tumwebaze =21points

CRC

1.Sande Mubiru=30points

2.Asiimwe Doreen=24points

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