KCB National Rally Championship Heads East for Historic First
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The Sound of rally cars is set to echo across the plains of Teso as the KCB National Rally Championship ventures into the sub-region for the very first time. Scheduled for 23–25 July 2026, the fourth round of Uganda’s premier rally series will be held in Soroti and Katakwi districts, marking a historic milestone for both the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda and the people of Eastern Uganda.
In a significant show of national support ahead of the championship, an FMU delegation led by FMU Patron Hon. Michael Mukula paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, where they officially presented the championship to the country’s second-highest office. The delegation also included FMU official Saead Kakeeto and Eastern Motor Club President Kees Kagolo, whose club will be organizing the landmark event.
The visit underscored the importance of bringing top-level motorsport to new regions as FMU continues its mission of decentralizing the sport and making the National Rally Championship accessible to fans across the country. Hosting an NRC round in Teso represents another major step in expanding Uganda’s motorsport footprint while creating opportunities for local communities to experience the excitement of rallying firsthand.
Competition is expected to be fierce as Uganda’s finest rally crews battle for valuable championship at the midpoint of the season. Spectators can expect three days of high-speed action as crews tackle the fast, flowing roads of Soroti and Katakwi, where bravery and consistency will separate the contenders from the rest.
Away from the stages, the championship is also expected to inject significant economic activity into the Teso sub-region. Organizers estimate a huge number of spectators, competitors, officials, sponsors and tourists will descend on the area during the rally weekend. Hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, transport operators, supermarkets, entertainment venues and numerous small businesses are all expected to benefit from the influx of visitors, reinforcing motorsport’s growing contribution to sports tourism and local economic development.
The championship has received strong backing from leaders, further highlighting motorsport’s increasing recognition as a driver of regional development. Hon. Peter Ogwang and Hon. Calvin Ecodu are expected to officiate the ceremonial flag-off in Soroti, while H.E. Vice President Jessica Alupo will receive the competitors at the finish in Katakwi before presiding over the official prize-giving ceremony. FMU expressed its sincere appreciation to the Vice President for her continued support and commitment towards promoting sports and regional development.
Preparations have now entered the final stretch, with the Eastern Motor Club, under the leadership of President Kees Kagolo, working closely with FMU to ensure the championship delivers a memorable experience for competitors, fans and the host communities.
The rally itself promises an action-packed itinerary covering 289.02 kilometres, made up of 136.02 competitive kilometres and 153.64 liaison kilometres, spread across 10 competitive stages.
Day One will feature four stages before competitors wrap up the day with an evening Super Special Stage. The IUEA Stage, measuring 17.16 kilometres, will be the day’s longest test, while the Segamu 14 Stage at 10.65 kilometres will be the shortest and both will be repeated.
Action then shifts to Katakwi District on the final day, where crews will contest two stages repeated twice before the championship concludes with the all-important Power Stage. The Steadfast Forwarders Stage stretches 18.09 kilometres to become the longest challenge of the day, while the MMC Stage measures 13.60 kilometres.
The championship battle also adds another layer of excitement heading into Round Four. Hassan Alwi and co-driver Musa Nsubuga arrive in Teso sitting comfortably at the top of the standings after a consistent start to the season. They are pursued Duncan Mubiru, while Jonas Kansime occupies third place and remains firmly in the hunt as the title race gathers momentum.
With history waiting to be written, a championship battle beginning to heat up, and an entire region preparing to embrace Uganda’s biggest motorsport stars, the Teso Rally is shaping up to be far more than just another championship round. It is a celebration of motorsport’s growth, a showcase of Eastern Uganda’s potential, and another bold step in taking the National Rally Championship to every corner of the country.
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